The City of Davis announced today that it will unveil a new public art piece titled “Fiat Lux” (“let there be light” in Latin) in memory of Karim Abou Najm at 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, at Sycamore Park (1313 Sycamore Lane).

The installation of “Fiat Lux” was made possible by donations from Karim’s family, friends and Davis residents, a donation from the University of California, Davis and funds from the City of Davis Municipal Arts Fund. In the event of rain, the public is invited to join the ceremony at the multi-purpose room at Robert E. Willett Elementary School at 1207 Sycamore Lane.

Abou Najm lost his life on April 29, 2023, when he was stabbed in Sycamore Park, while biking home. He graduated from Davis Senior High School in 2020 and was awarded a bachelor’s degree in computer science posthumously from UC Davis in 2023.

Artist Nicole Beck created “Fiat Lux” that will sit atop a berm in the park that overlooks the site of the tragedy. The piece is made of stainless steel and colored dichroic glass. 
The colors in the piece will reflect light and change color depending on the viewer’s position and ambient light conditions.

The artwork embodies the qualities that made Karim an exceptional human and the kindness, innovation, creativity and warmth within the Davis community.

Press contact: Barbara Archer, barcher@cityofdavis.org, 530-400-3418

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