Branly Cadet's sculpture

I met Branly Cadet my senior year in high school. I was just about to turn 17. We remained friends (not his choice) for 4 years before becoming lovers, and went on to have a 3 year relationship. I was sure he was the one, and said I was it for him too. He left me for another woman once I began to pressure him to marry me. I was 23 when he moved out of our apartment. We have managed to remain friends, and after 16 years of lives apart, our friendship is solid again. It probably took me about 7 years to really get past all my pent up anger. Remember, I tend to let things fester.

Anyway, one of the many things that led to the demise of our relationship was that soon after we moved in together (after 2 years of being a couple) was that he decided to take a sculpting class. He had always dabbled in drawing, was a great cartoonist and even did some very respectable figure drawing. His new work was amazing. By his second piece, you could barely tell the clay from the model. He had clearly found his niche. Very soon taking a class in the evenings wasn’t enough for him and he figured he could work in the evenings and attend art school during the day. This left me alone in the evenings, in a new neighborhood, with no friends, and lonely. His work day was beginning when I got off from work. I would be sleeping when he got home, and he would be just waking up when I left for my unsatisfying job in the morning. Eventually he was living with a pretty angry stranger. I did not like the arrangement. I imagine I was getting hostile on the weekends too. One day he came and confessed that he was attracted to a woman at work, Duh!- he chatted with her for hours every day! Soon after the admission he moved out.

Anyway, he tolerated my ascorbic anger for years afterwards, just to get to this place where we could be friends again, so when he got this tremendous opportunity to create a monument of Adam Clayton Powell Jr. to go on public display in Harlem I was thrilled for him. Today was the unveiling for the sculpture. There would be a big stage set up with all sorts of important people there.

I went with Matt and Josh. It was so exciting, many black political figures were there, and Branly gave such a lovely speech. The speech really demonstrated what a peaceful and loving place Branly heart is in now, as well as the desire for peace and equality that was the goal of ACP Jr. and the whole movement. When they finally uncovered the sculpture, it just took my breath away. The details were extraordinary, the pose, and the suggestion of wind in his face, the look of determination in his eyes. I first saw it from a distance, I had taken the kids into a shop across the street to warm up and I thought how perfectly the sculpture fit in it’s space, It was just the right size, yet beckoned me for a close up look. When the crowd began to subside we went back to congratulate Branly and I was overwhelmed by the power and presence the sculpture had up close. The piece was exquisite, it was perfect from every angle. I hope this is the beginning of some serious recognition for Branly.

The piece is in Harlem on 125th street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.

Comments

[callie cooper]

I knew Branly too, many years ago b/c we worked together and had seen the intitial sculpture in clay (about 1.5 feet high). I haven't gone to see the finished sculpture, but would like to.

BTW, how can you take that crap from your husband?

I really like your blog and have been following it. Good luck.

[claude montes]

Hi,
It was by sheer coincidence that I stombled upn your page. I was speaking with my sister this morning when she mentioned the sculpture. I was able to find it in only two places. The angle of your picture shows the figure in it full momentum in its powerful stride.
I read some of the entries and was both inspired and saddened. Inspired by your creativity and saddened by your overburdened life.
If you care to see my work, some are posted on: www.sculpture.org
Under portfolio enter: montes

[claude]

Please correct the above word: STUMBLED, it was corrected in the Preview

[claude]

Correction also: "IT'S" full momentum

[claude]

Please correct the above word: STUMBLED, it was correct in the Preview