Michael Nguyen Finch
Steel Armature Layered in Lath and Stucco
Location: NW Corner of Boonville Ave. & Mill St.
Guardian III merges elements of commercial and popular culture with the artist’s Southeast Asian heritage, drawing inspiration from depictions of tigers and traditional foo dogs. Both symbols hold deep cultural significance in Southeast Asian art, representing guardianship and cultural resilience. By reimagining these motifs, the sculpture offers a modern commentary on Asian-American identity within the public sphere. Constructed with a steel armature layered in lath and stucco—a technique tied to homebuilding in the Upper Midwest, where many immigrant families, including the artist’s Vietnamese ancestors, have lived—the work embodies a narrative of cultural and personal history. Its cartoon-like stylization emphasizes creativity and play, featuring enamel chalkboard paint on the tiger’s stripes, inviting interactive engagement and transforming the sculpture into accessible “mini canvases.” Designed on a human scale, Guardian III fosters a welcoming atmosphere, encouraging connection and dialogue within the public space.
Sponsor:
