Heart To Heart (Praetorian Building)
- Description
- Artists: Barbara Allinbloom and Gregory Semyonoff, 1990 This mural was a gift to Waco from Waco resident Barbara Allinbloom, Russian Cosmonaut Alexandre Tarelkine and renowned Russian artist Gregory Semyonoff. It was the first Soviet American joint art venture during the glasnost era. It represents their joint vision of peace and harmony and commitment to world peace. At the time, the building was owned by Barbara's parents, Fred and Ruth Williams, who were patrons of the project. The central image is of Christ expressing his love for the whole world. On the right are American government and church buildings and on the left Russian government and church buildings representing the similarities in the two nations. Both, nations of immigrants from all over the world. The blowing flags depict the reverse side of the flags because the Russian artist felt that this made him feel the tension and destruction the Cold War was blowing across the world. The artists used the old Russian Flag instead of the then current Soviet Red flag with Hammer and Sickle, predicting the collapse of the Soviet Empire that occurred the following year in 1991. The inscription written in Russian “только для нас" and in English “not only for us” points out that the global arms race was destroying the environment and threatening the Christ-centered mission of peace on earth. It's a reminder to focus on our similarities and appreciate the diversity of all life on this planet and create a future for all to thrive. Photo Credit, Jerry Larson, Waco Trib
