‘ I AM LOVE’
who DOES THE STATUE BELONG TO
The statue is a public piece of art , set to been handed to Chelmsford City Council Parks by Keep It 100 Youth CIC.
WHY CHELMSFORD
The statue was an ambition of Keep It 100 Founder Luisa Di Marco since 2019. She made contact with Knife Angel Artist Alfie Bradley in March 2019 to discuss the possibility of it. During the process of engaging with Alfie, it became apparent the Knife Angel was a touring monument and in November 2019, she set about bringing the Knife Angel to Essex. Chelmsford City Council kindly agree to host the Angel, and subsequently provide a site for a permanent statue.
WHY the name?
It is named after Keep It 100 Youth CIC Ambassador and Mentor Joy Farrukh’s song ‘I am love’ following Joy’s performance at the powerful Knife Angel Chelmsford vigil. The song reflects the ethos of Keep It 100 Youth CIC, whereby making positive choices can empower love within ourselves.
what is the purpose of the statue
To provide a platform for necessary conversations connected to youth violence. A place of education in an outdoors setting where young people can be encouraged to address how the topic may be affecting them or someone they care about. Youth groups, educators, families, young people, community projects are all provided with an equal platform of opportunity.
What is the STATUE CONSTRUCTED of
Sitting at 15ft in height and weighing 2.25 tonnes, the statue’s main body is 8ft in height, 6ft in depth, and 7 f t in width. Constructed using 900 metres of high grade stainless steel, it contains sheet metal crafted into feather wind chime, and amnesty knives donated form Amnesty bins across Essex by Essex Police. The knives have been cleaned and bleached by Artist Alfie Bradley prior to use into the statue.
what is meant by youth led
During the entire process of building the statue, extensive face to face consultations with young people provided valuable and insight into the many forms of violence they are facing, which led to Luisa Di Marco designing around this feed back for Alfie Bradly to incorporate.
What does the statue represent
A heart represents life and love. Feathers symbolise honour, unity, freedom and strength in numbers.
what is youth violence
An act of violence perpetrated by, or committed against, a 10 -29 year old, and described as a global public health problem .It includes bullying, physical fighting, sexual violence, physical violence, use of weapons and homicide
(SOURCE: WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION)
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF YOUTH VIOLENCE
Lives are lost due to sustaining physically fatal injuries, including the use of weapons. Lives are being irreversibly and catastrophically destroyed by psychological, physical and social harm when a young person experiences or perpetrates violence.
is the statue for remembrance
Plans for an annual vigil to be hosted at the statue to remember all lives lost to youth violence. Those include young people whose lives have ended to suicide due to violence.
is the statue about knife crime
In reflecting that knife crime is a feature of youth violence. the statue contains knives and machetes which were donated by Essex Police from their amnesty bins.