Embracing Peace is inspired by the photo by Lt Victor Jorgenson, who was a former Navy photojournalist, most notable for taking the instantly iconic photograph of an impromptu scene in Manhattan on August 14, 1945, but from a different angle and in a less dramatic exposure than that of a photograph taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt. Published in The New York Times, Jorgensen’s photograph, which was taken while he was on duty, is retained in the National Archives. Johnson himself served for four years in the US Navy during the Korean War aboard the USS Gloucester (PF-22)
Embracing Peace Reflect on this moment captured in time that symbolizes the joy felt at the end of the war. Well-known for celebrating everyday life with vividly realistic sculpture, Johnson steps back in time with Embracing Peace, to pay homage to the veterans of World War II. This artwork honors the memory of the past, reminding us of the sacrifice of a nation, and awakens a younger generation to a turning point in our nation’s history. Seward Johnson has stated, “I wanted to evoke a time of unity, a time without the divisiveness of today. The moment captured in the work encapsulates the spirit of having fought a successful campaign defending human rights, our shared values, and that celebrates peace."
SEWARD JOHNSON BIOGRAPHY Seward Johnson was a visionary, artist, and philanthropist who established an international community of artists with the Johnson Atelier in Hamilton, NJ, later going on to create Grounds For Sculpture, a 42-acre nonprofit sculpture park, museum, and arboretum on the site of the former New Jersey State Fairgrounds. A recipient of the International Sculpture Center's 2019 Lifetime Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award, Seward passed away at the age of 89 in March of 2020, but the Atelier continues his legacy, producing and preserving works of art and design, while creating cultural experiences and expanding artistic possibility. Seward's work is featured in collections worldwide with select exhibitions in Plant City, FL; Hopewell, NJ; Philadelphia, PA; and Omaha, NE this year.
Photo: Embracing Peace by Seward Johnson © 2004 The Seward Johnson Atelier
