Washington, D.C. has welcomed a new cultural landmark with the unveiling of Dancer, a striking red metal sculpture by Smithsonian Fellow Victor Ekpuk.
Standing 10 feet tall at the corner of 14th and R Streets NW in Logan Circle, the artwork celebrates motion, joy, and the spirit of community. The Logan Circle Community Association, with support from Whitman-Walker and Fivesquares Development, commissioned the sculpture and officially revealed it to residents and visitors during a ceremony that underscored the neighborhood’s artistic energy.
Painted in a vivid crimson, Dancer captures the human body in graceful movement. Ekpuk said the work acts as both “a beacon and a mirror,” reflecting Logan Circle’s diversity and inviting people to gather around it. The piece blends abstraction with symbolism, conveying resilience and celebration in equal measure.
“The Dancer is inspired by the human form in motion, celebrating the universal language of dance as a metaphor for freedom, resilience, and joy,” said artist Victor Ekpuk to PoPville chronicles. “Dance is an ancient form of storytelling and cultural expression, and this sculpture is my way of honoring the diversity and dynamism of Logan Circle while creating a gathering place that reflects our shared humanity. I hope this work will be both a beacon and a mirror for the people of DC.”
Community leaders praised the project as a meaningful addition to the city’s public art landscape. Beyond its visual impact, the sculpture further serves as a reminder of Logan Circle’s history of cultural vibrancy and its role as a hub of inclusion in Washington.
Victor Ekpuk is a Nigerian contemporary artist whose career spans more than three decades.His works are part of major collections including the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and the World Bank. Ekpuk’s practice ranges from large-scale public commissions to intimate drawings, often exploring themes of identity, memory, and the shared human experience.
