The collection is a revival and continuation of a previous collaboration by the respective artists, titled "Shadows of Spirit," which was commissioned for the Nicollet Mall situated in downtown Minneapolis in 1992.
[4] The majority of the sculptures feature poems by Rosemary Soyini Vinelle Guyton that relate to the figures represented.
There are two exceptions: these being the shadows honouring the late Kirk Washington Jr, which instead features an extract from his contribution to "One Minneapolis: a City in Verse," and Siah Armajani, which has been left blank at his request.
[2] Finally, Kirk Washington Jr's dedicated sculpture is crafted from a water-resistant material, meaning it is visible only when the surrounding concrete is saturated.
[2] This distinct material choice has been said to pay direct tribute to his artistic exploration and representation of race and marginalisation.