Imagine a giant struggling to break free from the earth. That’s the essence of the Inner Being Sculpture.
Hello everyone. Welcome. We are standing before a powerful work of art. It is called Inner Being. This sculpture invites us to contemplate our own inner struggles. It asks us to consider our journey toward self-discovery.
The Inner Being Sculpture was crafted by J. Seward Johnson Jr. It was created in 1980. Originally, it was part of Washington D.C.’s 11th annual Sculpture Conference. The sculpture first stood at Hains Point in East Potomac Park.
Imagine the impact of this piece. A giant figure appears trapped. Only parts of its body are visible. A hand reaching out. A leg bent at an awkward angle. The face contorted in a scream. The Inner Being sculpture evokes feelings of distress. It also evokes a sense of yearning for liberation.
In 2007, the Inner Being Sculpture was purchased by Milton Peterson. He paid over $700,000 for it. Peterson moved the sculpture to National Harbor in Maryland. Here, it was installed on a specially built beach along the Potomac River.
Think about the symbolism. The earth can represent limitations. It can represent the challenges that hold us back. The giant’s struggle signifies our own efforts. We strive to overcome obstacles. We seek to realize our full potential.
The Inner Being Sculpture is made of five separate aluminum pieces. They are buried in the ground. This arrangement creates the illusion of a giant trying to free himself. The right arm and hand reach out. They extend farther than the other body parts. The face is 17 feet high. It shows a bearded man screaming.
The Inner Being Sculpture has gained considerable recognition. A copy of the sculpture, called The Awakening II, was unveiled in Chesterfield, Missouri in 2009. Another fiberglass copy was exhibited in Italy. There, it was named Il Risveglio.
Even Hollywood took notice of the Inner Being Sculpture. It was featured in the beginning of the 1995 film The Net.
Take a moment to reflect on the Inner Being Sculpture. It serves as a reminder of our inner strength. It shows our capacity for growth. Like the giant, we too can strive for liberation. We can break free from what binds us.
As we conclude our visit here, remember the message of the Inner Being Sculpture. Embrace your struggles. Pursue your dreams. Unleash your inner being.