Chadwick & Spector

Chadwick & Spector
Chadwick Gray, Laura Spector
Houston, TX

White Rose with Secret Message, after Van Gogh
Oil paint, plaster polymer, foam, paper

"My grandparents were immigrants to the US, not only to start a better life for themselves and their future family members, but to escape certain death in their home countries. Without their bravery, I would not be alive. Our artwork is inspired by history. "The White Rose Movement" was an underground movement to help those who were oppressed during the Nazi regime in Germany during WW2. Those participating would wear objects bearing a white rose so they knew how to find one another in public. Together, the people who made up the White Rose Movement helped save lives, educate and speak on behalf of those who had no voice. The ears that show that we are listening are implanted in our brick to form a white rose. Since much of our artwork centers around reinterpreting historical paintings, we chose Van Gogh's "White Rose" painting. It resembles beauty in the face of adversity. The secret message scrolled inside the brick is a statement about The White Rose Movement. We hope there is never a need for such a movement in the United States. It is clear that removing barriers, boundaries and bricks while extending our hands and opening our hearts is the way to a more beautiful future