Connecting with Local Public Artist

Earlier this week, the AO Team met up with local public artist and Lane Community College professor, Lee Imonen. In October of 2014, his 2005 War Veteran piece was put on display at the LCC campus and caught our attention. 

In talking with Lee, he explained that the piece represents the experiences of returning Iraq War Veterans and the limited services that are provided to them upon their return home after active duty.

As seen in the photos below, the metal human body mold creates flawless cement figures that represent all people going into war. Many of these people return as a crumbling, moss covered version of their original selves. The broken bodies represent the effects of neglect due to the lack of services available for Vets that could potentially help them transition back to civilian life. Because for these Veterans, the war begins once they are brought home and it never truly ends.

We look forward to continuing this ever important conversation with Lee and following his journey as he continues to expand this living sculpture. We hope to include Lee and his sculpture into our internal documentary that is currently in process. Our documentary hopes to create awareness for the very issue that Lee has presented with his sculpture.