Guardian II

Artist: Michael Finch from Afton, MN https://www.michaelnguyenfinch.com Title of Artwork: Guardian II Medium: Steel, Stucco Lath, Stucco, Enamel Paint Price: $4,500.00 Located in Fergus Falls, Minnesota Artist Statement: Guardian II references commercial and popular culture depictions of tigers while weaving in the artist's heritage through homage to Southeast Asian foo dogs. Both foo dogs and tigers hold significant cultural value in Southeast Asian art, symbolizing guardianship of space and asserting cultural strength. By adapting these symbols, the sculpture introduces a modern perspective on Asian-American space into the public sphere. Constructed with a steel armature layered in lath and stucco, echoing the construction techniques employed in building homes in the upper Midwest, homes that often housed immigrants, including the artist's own Vietnamese ancestry. In this way, Guardian II not only visually contributes to the public space but also carries layers of cultural and personal narratives within its form and construction. Another facet of the sculpture is its cartoon stylization. The simplistic form functions as a representation of creativity and play, featuring interactive black stripes coated in enamel chalkboard paint. This transformative element turns the sculpture into accessible "mini canvases" suitable for all ages. Unlike imposing public sculptures, the deliberate scale of Guardian II actively encourages public interaction, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for passersby. Artist Bio: Michael Nguyen Finch is a multidisciplinary queer artist based in St. Paul, MN, whose work explores the intricate dynamics of cultural assimilation, immigration, heritage, and cultural evolution. Rooted in his bi-racial background and identity as a second-generation Vietnamese immigrant, Finch juxtaposes Vietnamese and American references to reestablish cultural and personal identity. His artistic practice incorporates high-contrast colors, bold forms, stylized mark-making, and contemporary abstraction, using techniques and media such as steel fabrication, cardboard, stucco masonry, and new media. Particularly evident in his public art, Finch's work seeks to redefine the landscape of public art by introducing cultural iconography into the public domain. Through this, he emphasizes the evolving meanings and functions of symbols within society, inviting viewers to engage with themes of heritage and identity while celebrating the vibrancy of cultural transformation.