*Ever since the controversial Michael Brown exhibit opened in Chicago, folks have been highly critical.
Now, Ti-Rock Moore, the New Orleans-based artist behind the show is speaking out. Moore, who is white, said she realized the imagery would be disturbing and invoke negative emotions, she moved forward with it because she intended to “ignite meaningful conversation.”
Here’s what she told the Washington Post:
“Disturbing imagery has always been used in art-making to ignite meaningful conversation. I wanted to use his death to make a statement about the brutal realities of racism in this country. I have unfortunately upset many in revisiting this tragedy, but I think the conversations that are surfacing because of it are worth noting and may help us move into a new direction.”
She said she had apprehensions and was concerned about how the black community would respond:
“I was very hesitant, indeed , because I didn’t want to dishonor the family, which is why I reached out to the parents. Unfortunately, there has been a lot of miscommunication surrounding that in the media. But the family was informed, and permission was granted from Michael Brown’s mother.”
Although Michael Brown Sr. has been critical of the exhibit, Moore says Brown’s mother, Lesley McSpadden had no problem with it and gave her approval:
“I sent a letter that was addressed to both Michael Brown Sr. and Lesley McSpadden, asking for permission before I exhibited the work. Ms. McSpadden wrote back in approval, and I was under the impression that the father was as well because they agreed to fly to Chicago for the opening of the exhibition to speak. I didn’t know that Mr. Brown was not on board until the night of the opening and that I do regret.”
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