All summer long the Lee Monument in Richmond has been transformed each night by projections. They’ve included the faces of victims of police brutality and of African-American icons like Frederick Douglas. The artists behind the work have now tackled a different project.
Dustin Klein and Alex Criqui give full credit to the activists for transforming the Lee circle. But for many, their work of lighting up the monument each night, has been a visible part of that transformation. Klein is a projection and light artist.
“It’s just been rewarding to have a place and be able to use my skills and gear,” he said. “Doing what I love to do in a way that’s helping effect people in a positive light.”
Their latest venture is a piece of art called “Marcus David Peters Circle.” That’s what activists have re-named the Lee Circle. Peters was a young man shot and killed by Richmond police two years ago.
“I hope in some way we can honor the spirit of that space and also honor the life of Marcus David Peters and make people realize that his life was important, it wasn’t something to disregard. That all human life is sacred, all people are holy,” said Criqui.
Klein hopes the artwork gives the audience a glimpse of what life has been like in recent months in Richmond.
“I think we’ve experienced so much in that circle over these past five months that if we can just give someone a piece of that who wasn’t able to experience it I think that would be a great gift.”
The piece of artwork is a larger than life print that shows the Lee pedestal with the torso of Peters’ rising from the top, a halo of light around his head. Klein and Criqui collaborated with two painters on the still image, Miguel Carter-Fisher and Josh Zarambo.
The artists will project moving, animated, elements onto that print. Criqui says the piece will transform from day to night.
“And it’s sort of a way to mirror the experiences we’ve had out at Marcus David Peters Circle,” he explained.
This new piece of art is not located at the Lee Monument, but at a community center across town. It’s part of Richmond’s annual InLight festival, hosted by 1708 Gallery. It will be one of more than a dozen light-based artworks scattered throughout the city illuminated Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.
Klein and Criqui’s contribution to InLight is located in a gazebo at Randolph Community Center in Richmond. You can find more information about all the InLight pieces around town here.
