Intertwining: Weaving our Social Fabric

Suspended Sculpture at Memphis International Airport

Yancy Villa & Brg3s architects, commissioned by Urban Art Commission and MEM

Throughout history, our city has sat at a crossroads. More than concrete and water, an intersection of people and ideas, races and faiths – all coming together to do something magical. While we may have different origins and destinations, for a moment, we all share this journey together. That is no more exemplified than at MEM. 

Intertwining reflects and celebrates the interconnection of our journey, individually and collectively. Each of us is a thread beautifully woven into a powerful tapestry, not despite our differences but because of them. That is Memphis. 

We are a global epicenter where changemakers, world-shakers, and idea-breakers come together to create, challenge, and change the world around us. In Memphis, we call it soul, which is reflected in every aspect of Intertwining. Like Memphis’ beginnings, it starts with tension and moves, sometimes quickly and sometimes slowly, into weaves that intertwine representing every dimension of our city. Our heart, hospitality, and hustle. Our generosity, diversity, and creativity. Our innovation, determination, and collaboration. Our sound, style, and spirit. 

This is our social fabric. This is our soul.  
As soul guides us and our great city on this collective journey, we recognize that our travels are never truly complete. Neither is Intertwining, as the installation shows the threads of our past and present, with our future waiting to be woven. In that future an enduring invitation is extended – for those who change the world, welcome home.