By Steve Thorpe
Legal News
The artwork “A Garland of Praise Songs for Rosa Parks” honoring civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks and Judge Damon J. Keith was unveiled recently at Wayne State University Law School’s Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights.
Made from 26 wood, fiber and fabric totems, the work recognizes their integrity and courage.
The installation was created by Lester Johnson, a native Detroiter who recently retired after 35 years as professor of fine arts at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit.
Johnson earned his master of fine arts degrees from the University of Michigan and has exhibited his work in the Detroit Institute of Arts, Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, and galleries and museums around the world. He spoke recently with Steve Thorpe from the Legal News.
Thorpe: How did you get involved in the project?
Johnson: Peter Hammer, director of Wayne State University’s Keith Center, was invited by Treena Flannery Ericson, gallery director at the Scarab Club of Detroit and myself, to view the show, “Spirit Voices” in 2011. Treena and I both thought that the DJK would be the perfect location for Rosa Parks. Peter agreed with our evaluation and presented the idea to Judge Keith and he approved and supported the idea. The idea became a reality with the support from the DTE Foundation for the Arts.
Thorpe: What were some of your inspirations for the work?
Johnson: The inspiration for the work was to praise the collective life accomplishments of Rosa Parks and Judge Damon Keith. The work is a tribute to the extraordinary integrity and courage of Parks and Keith. Rosa Parks was a Civil Rights activist who was arrested in Montgomery, Ala., in December 1955 for refusing to give her seat to a white male passenger, therefore resisting segregation and in violation of city law. Her act of civil disobedience had her arrested and jailed. Subsequently, she led the organizing of the Montgomery bus boycott with Martin Luther King Jr. and many others. “Democracies Die Behind Closed Doors” are the words of Hon. Damon J. Keith. He is the manifestation of the “Crusader for Justice,” the title of his book. Judge Keith continues to bring the light of the United State Constitution to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Judge Damon J. Keith is revered because of his accomplishments.
Thorpe: How did you choose the medium and materials?
Johnson: The materials in this work honor Rosa Park’s skill as a seamstress. Her talent and skill link her with others who share a love for the tradition of creating handmade garments, quilts or textiles. Each totem of wood, fiber, and fabric (inspired by aboriginal and African staffs) was specially created to be a joyful tribute to her life’s accomplishments.
Thorpe: Tell us something about the significance of the materials chosen and how they interact.
Johnson: The material has meaning and each selection is valued for its significance. The content is expressed through expressive color, design patterns, variations of textures, creating a visual dialogue. The collective is a statement about choice and the harmony of many voices. A conversation where the viewer is asked to participate.
Thorpe: Do you see a special significance in a Detroit artist honoring two Detroit legends?
Johnson: The significance of this moment for a Detroit native is a recognition of the opportunity coupled with a spirit of humility. The honoring of two legends is a collaborative undertaking. The hearts, hands, and minds of many folks made this artwork for Rosa and Damon possible. We are proud of our collective effort and for the good intentions that guide this project. By working together, Detroit natives’ accomplishments have no limitations. Our gratitude for the opportunity to create this work of art for two legends.
Thorpe: Rosa Parks is gone, but you were able to meet Judge Damon Keith and see his reaction to the work. Tell us about that.
Johnson: Judge Keith’s response to “A Garland of Praise Songs for Rosa Parks” is positive. He knew Rosa Parks and thought that the work is an appropriate tribute to her. Judge Keith thinks that Rosa Parks would have been pleased and honored with the purpose and presentation of the artwork. We are honored to collectively participate in this historic installation at the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights.
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