MARVIN

“Marvin Gaye: Still I Sing” by WanJean is an evocative mixed-media sculptural portrait that pays solemn tribute to one of the most soul-stirring voices in American music history. Unlike traditional painted tributes, this work utilizes sculpted relief techniques on canvas, rendering Gaye’s visage in haunting realism with tangible dimension and weighted presence.

The piece is built upon a matte all-black background, allowing the contours and emotive textures of Marvin’s face to rise from the canvas like a whispered memory. His expression is calm, eternal, and introspective — not smiling, not weeping, but gazing from the void with a grace that invites both empathy and reflection. The sculptor’s intentional use of cool grayscale tones, accented with subtle highlights of silver-blue and deep charcoal, offers a ghostly, almost divine stillness — as if Marvin Gaye is watching, listening, remembering.

The 3D detailing — from the curl of his lips to the coarseness of his beard — is not merely aesthetic but spiritual. It encourages viewers to witness the soul behind the singer, the pain beneath the poetry, and the artist beyond the icon.

Symbolic Context and Composition

The deliberate sparseness of the piece is as much a part of its message as the form itself. The absence of visual noise gives Marvin's face a sacred prominence. It floats in isolation — much like his legacy, which remains unanchored from time, race, or genre.

His eyes, though sculpted in stillness, convey motion — looking both inward and outward. This duality represents the personal trauma and public outcry Gaye channeled in works like What's Going On, Mercy Mercy Me, and Inner City Blues. There is no microphone, no stage, no crowd. Only his face — suspended — testifying eternally to the truths he sang.

Signed in the lower right corner with gold ink and the artist's signature, this piece reflects WanJean’s commitment to Afrocentric homage and recontextualization of icons within cultural liberation movements.

Historical and Cultural Relevance

Marvin Gaye was not simply a Motown singer — he was a prophet in falsetto. His music emerged at a cultural crossroads, addressing Vietnam, environmental destruction, police brutality, systemic racism, and the inner wars of the soul.

This artwork doesn’t just depict Marvin. It canonizes him.

By elevating his likeness to a sculptural monument, WanJean places Marvin Gaye in the lineage of African American martyrs and messengers. It answers the silent question: What if we sculpted our musicians like we do our generals and presidents? What if soul was sovereign?

This piece dares to declare that it is.

See wanjean.com for more info

With Deep Gratitude to Herb Hudson and Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Herb Hudson, founder of the legendary Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles, for his generous collaboration and trust in The Concrete Rose Project.

The unveiling of the Anaheim mural stands as more than just a celebration of art—it’s a testament to Roscoe’s cultural legacy and the visionary leadership behind it. This mural, rooted in heritage, flavor, and community spirit, symbolizes what’s possible when entrepreneurship and the arts come together with purpose.

We are profoundly honored to have been chosen to bring this story to life through public art. Your support has elevated our mission and allowed us to plant deeper roots in the communities we serve.

As we continue to build a movement that honors untold stories and transforms spaces, we look forward to exploring more meaningful ways to partner with Roscoe’s and celebrate the impact of your iconic brand.

With appreciation,The Concrete Rose Project Inc.

https://www.roscoeschickenandwaffles.com/