Exploring sites throughout St. Louis, Ronald Young scavenges the items he incorporates into his multilayered sculptures. He combines objects like doorknobs and rusted tools with charred wood, rope, bricks and nails-always plenty of nails. Through his efforts, Young reveals local materials and economic realities: He finds these items in buildings that have fallen into disrepair and elevates them into compelling artworks that celebrate this hard-won victory.
Young is inspired by the African nkisi, sculptural objects made by Kongolese artists used in ritual ceremonies. Drawing inspiration from these ancient rituals and traditions, Young's sculptures focus this energy. He shows that even in the midst of crisis - or perhaps because of it - it is possible to find moments of beauty and reckoning.