Opus Africanuum
Location: Miami, Florida
Designer: Germane Barnes
Completion: 2023
Material: Negro Marquina Marble
Overview
Quarra Stone fabricated Opus Africanuum—also known as Identity Column—a powerful reinterpretation of the classical architectural column through the lens of Black identity and cultural heritage. Designed by artist and architect Germane Barnes, the piece draws on layered references to African art, symbolism, and ancestry. Its form challenges traditional architectural language while celebrating storytelling, community, and belonging through material and structure.
Following its debut at the 2023 Venice Biennale and installation at Art Omi, the Identity Column has now found its permanent home in Miami with Magnus.
Fabrication Process
The project combined advanced digital modeling, precision robotic milling, and hand-finishing techniques guided by augmented reality (AR) tools. Quarra’s team translated intricate surface motifs and patterns into stone, ensuring both structural integrity and tactile richness. Every stage—from CAD development and CNC machining to manual refinement and assembly—was executed with exacting craftsmanship and deep respect for the artist’s vision.
Close collaboration with Germane Barnes and the Nina Johnson Gallery ensured the final sculpture captured the nuanced textures and narratives embedded in its design
Significance
Opus Africanuum bridges technology and tradition, merging digital fabrication with symbolic cultural expression. Through this project, Quarra continues to explore how stonework can serve as a medium for contemporary dialogue—connecting heritage, identity, and architectural innovation.
Photography
Miami installation: © Nina Johnson Gallery
