Artist unveils colourful tribute to community

Sam Shendi has showcased his sculptures in the UK and around the world

A sculptor and graffiti fan showcasing his latest work in Bradford has said he would be "happy" for street artists to make their mark on it - as long as it "adds to the artwork".

Sam Shendi, an Egyptian-born sculptor now living in North Yorkshire, has unveiled Balancing Acts, a 13ft (4m) sculpture in the grounds of the MAPA community centre just off Manchester Road.

Made from stainless steel, which Shendi has then painted, it was commissioned for the City of Culture celebrations.

The 50-year-old said: "I respect the younger generation with the graffiti in particular; I'm a fan of the graffiti artwork."

Shendi said he had no problem with people adding to his creation as long as it was done in a positive way and was not offensive.

He said: "The paint that I use is the same type that you'd use to spray cars, so it will last for a long period of time.

"At the end of the day if any other creative person is happy to come and paint on the top of it, or draw in a good way, I'm happy with this as well."

Shendi says the colours are inspired by countries' flags

The work was inspired by children's building blocks and took Shendi, who lives in the village of Cowling, five months to create.

He collaborated with local firm Bradford Laser Cutting, which specialises in cutting stainless steel and welding.

Shendi spray-painted each block using colours from different countries' flags to represent the communities who live in the area.

All five sections of the sculpture can be rotated on a metal column fixed into the ground

Shendi, who became a member of the Royal British Society of Sculptors in 2014, also made each block capable of being rotated.

He said: "I love my work to be touched by children.

"It's colourful so it appeals to all kind of ages from any background, any class.

"The sculpture was inspired by children's building blocks. You're trying to teach kids about the balance and the harmony between surfaces.

"This is what community is really.

"How different backgrounds, different faiths, different beliefs and different political views are all combined together."

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