Sabin Howard unveils National WWI Memorial in Washington

Sabin Howard unveiled his latest work, the National World War I Memorial, in Washington, D.C., which features 38 life-size figures depicting the journey of an American soldier. The sculpture illustrates the soldier's departure, the brutal realities of battle, and his return home, serving as a tribute to those who fought in the war. Howard's artistic vision aims to revive the significance of figurative art, which he believes has diminished since World War I. Born on October 22, 1982, Howard pursued his passion for art, earning degrees from the Philadelphia College of Art and the New York Academy of Art. His exposure to Renaissance masterpieces shaped his artistic philosophy, leading him to create works he felt were comparable to those of the great Italian artists. However, after the unveiling of his earlier work, 'Apollo,' he faced a period of self-doubt and sought a new direction in his career. In 2014, Howard received a commission to create a memorial that would honor the sacrifices of American soldiers in World War I. This project involved extensive collaboration with the commission and numerous iterations of the sculpture, culminating in nearly a decade of dedicated work. Upon completion, he likened the experience to abruptly stopping after a high-speed journey, reflecting on the emotional and creative challenges he faced. Howard's work is seen as a potential catalyst for a resurgence of interest in figurative sculpture, challenging the prevailing trends in contemporary art. He advocates for a reconnection with the divine aspects of human nature, which he believes are essential to the true essence of art.