08/05/2024
Check out this inspiring work from FV GFA alumni and STLCC-Florissant Valley, adjunct professor Vincent Stemmler
From his FB page
““𝑨𝒔 𝑰 𝑺𝒆𝒆 𝒀𝒐𝒖”, 2024, mixed media with clothing and personal items belonging to Michael Brown Jr.
Made in collaboration with Michael Brown Sr. and Calvina Brown.
Over the past few months I have been working to finish a sculpture for a commemorative exhibition about Michael Brown Jr. and the Ferguson uprising. I initially didn’t want to post about this because it isn’t about me, but I’ve been told again and again to let my light shine.
The entire idea for this sculpture came from Mike and Cal, but it felt like a good fit because much of my personal work has to do with memorial, with memory and how materials and items can trigger memory. the head of this piece was carved to fit Mike Jr.’s likeness, while the rest of the body was cast from directly from Mike Sr. It was important for the work to have a likeness of Mike Jr. but also for parts of the body, particularly the hands to be cast directly from his father, so that there is a connection there. It was also important for the piece to be dressed in Mike Jr.’s own cloths and posed with his own belongings; an unopened can of Arnold Palmer, a jar with his own written rap lyrics, his high-school diploma, and more — all of which was also his family’s idea. It has been a great honor to work on this piece and it really doesn’t feel like 10 years ago… while much has changed, much really hasn’t. There is still so much to be done…
Over the next few months this work will be on display with other works that have been inspired by Michael Brown, the uprising, and the need for social and political change. From August 5-10 you can find these works at the West Florissant Urban League, where the Quicktrip was burned down during the uprising. Other locations will be announced soon!
In solidarity.”