The Farhang Foundation had a vision: to showcase a sculpture in Los Angeles honouring the ideals of Cyrus the Great– a Persian ruler who championed principles of religious diversity and personal freedom 2,500 years ago. The cylindrical form echoes the ancient clay cylinder on which Cyrus the Great made his profound declaration about human rights. Two stainless steel cylinders – one large and one small – interact with each other in an exchange of strength and vulnerability. The sculpture will stand looking silver in the sun, and as a person comes close the inner golden cylinder appears,as the secret – a precious, yet fragile, freedom within. At night the gold colour will be apparent, and the silver surround protecting the treasured “words”.