BIG WALLS 2016 - KOBRA
ARTIST: Eduardo KobraPROJECT: Muddy Waters Tribute Wall LOCATION: 17 N State Street (North facing wall) ABOUT THIS PROJECT:Brazilian artist, Eduardo Kobra specializes in “memory walls,” meaning that are specific to the community in which he is painting and evoke a certain nostalgia within the residents of that specific area. Chicago’s “memory wall” depicts legendary blues musician, Muddy Waters, was the perfect icon for this monumental wall.The creation of this mural was a team effort and thanks go to several people, including Marc Realty, Beauty and Brawn Gallery & Think Space!PHOTO CREDIT: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2016
BIG WALLS 2016 - ELLA & PITR
ARTIST: Ella & PitrLOCATION: 527 S WellsPHOTO CREDIT: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2016ABOUT THIS PROJECT:While working on this project Ella + Pitr stated, “Our inspiration for the Native American of Chicago is the roots of America. Chicago is an old native name and the story of the city is directly linked with native people” – as quoted in Sandra Steinbrecher’s Wabash Arts Corridor / Big Walls / 2016
NEVER 2501
ARTIST: Never 2501 LOCATION: The Buckingham @ 59 E. Van Buren DATE: July 06, 2015ABOUT THIS PROJECT:A new 8100-square-foot mural from Italian street artist Never 2501—the second mural in a new outdoor series along Wabash Avenue.
PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS - MORLEY
ARTIST: MorleyPROJECT TITLE: “Penny for Your Thoughts”LOCATION: 424 S. WabashABOUT THIS PROJECT:Morley is a Los Angeles- based street artist specializing in bold, typographic posters that mix humor and hope. His recent installation on Wabash Avenue called “Penny for your thoughts,” is meant to act as a friendly voice amongst the barrage of billboard messages and corporate slogans. Thanks to Logan Square’s Beauty and Brawn Gallery, Morley was able share his writings on the wall with WAC.PHOTO CREDIT: Sandy Steinbrecher
STREET LEVEL 2017 - GLORIA”GLOE ONE” TALMANTES
TITLE: La Magia de Luzia ARTIST: Gloria "Gloe" TalamantesLOCATION: 33 E. Congress ParkwayARTIST STATEMENT:"I created wispy butterfly wings that carry flowers adorned with motifs inspired by my roots and culture. The design inspiration comes from my family heirlooms-"carpetas tejidas" the delicate and intricate original crocheted designs of my grandmother and great grandmother. After watching some of Luzia, I reflected on the massive red papel picado that was used to incubate the twirling dancer ascending in one of the scenes as flower petals fell. Upon first sight it immediately made me think of the many designs links that make up my grandma’s doilies. I allowed the connection to guide the process of the mural's details. The dripping effect is a direct reflection of the water scenes and rather than make it a focal point, I wanted to create a subtle resemblance to the water while keeping it connected to my graffiti roots. Drips are common and often the most enjoyable parts of ink tags and natural spray paint abstracts when doing stylized letters. It is important for me to stay true to my Mexican & Graffiti culture for the two has been an integral part of my life and visual art form. I want to honor and elevate them in ways that don’t appropriate or erase the values or struggles that have endured through their evolution and survival.”PHOTO CREDIT: Dan Rest ABOUT THIS PROJECT:Lead Curator/Producer: Neysa Page-LiebermanSite Manager: Abie VasquezAssistant Producer: Sydney PachaAssistant Artists: Alejandro Colunga, David Gonzalez, Brandon P. Macias, Gloria Vale of Yollocalli Arts ReachThe Magia de Luzia was curated and organized by Columbia College Chicago as part of the Wabash Arts Corridor Street Level Public Art Exhibition, and sponsored by Cirque du Soleil in honor of the production LUZIA in Chicago, Illinois.
WABASH ARTS CORRI-DOORS - EVAN KASLE
TITLE: Just Another Smiley DayARTIST: Evan Kasle LOCATION: 599 S Plymouth Ct ARTIST STATEMENT:"As with the rest of my work, this mural focuses on using the human form to personify concepts. This mural design is intended to represent the human ability to shield true emotions by putting on a smiling face. The teeth are meant to represent internal struggles, insecurities, and negative thoughts hiding inside, masked by the overly happy larger face. The eyes also serve as distractions from the negativity, symbolizing a beautiful feature, pretty eyes. People can often focus merely on the external elements of a person, or the mask of false-positivity and beauty, forgetting to dig deeper to reveal the person’s true self."PHOTO CREDIT: Phil DembinskiABOUT THIS PROJECT:Curator/Producer: Yvvi AtanassovProduction Assistance: Neysa Page-Lieberman and Meg DuguidThis project was generously commissioned by Fox Family Limited Partnership at 599 S Plymouth ct. Special thanks to property manager Kevin Fox for making this project possible.
THE PROVOCATEURS - RETNA
ARTIST: RetnaLOCATION: 33 E. CongressABOUT THIS PROJECT:Columbia College Chicago has teamed up with Shepard Fairey (OBEY series, Obama HOPE) and three other Art Alliance: The Provocateurs artists to showcase their work in the Wabash Arts Corridor as part of the exhibition with Lollapalooza. Four of the top names in subversive street art—Shepard Fairey, Cleon Peterson, POSE, and RETNA—have used the corridor as their “living urban canvas,” injecting provocative, large-scale artworks into one of Chicago’s major emerging art scenes. The outdoor art, as part of the Wabash Arts Corridor, will remain indefinitely.“Street art and graffiti are no longer strictly defined as vandalism and deserves to be recognized as a valid and important art genre,” said Shepard Fairey, artist and curator of The Provocateurs. “It challenges the notion that public space should be dominated by advertising and government signage. Columbia College and the City of Chicago have enthusiastically supported our outdoor mural project.”
MOOSE BUBBLEGUM BUBBLE - JACOB WATTS
ARTIST: Jacob WattsPROJECT TITLE: "Moose Bubblegum Bubble"LOCATION: 33 E. Congress, Chicago, Il 60605 (South Wall) ABOUT THIS PROJECT:Columbia College Chicago’s WAC Campus Committee launched a student and alumni competition in the spring of 2014 and Moose Bubblegum Bubble by Jacob Watts was selected as one of the winners. MORE INFORMATION: Artist Website
BIG WALLS 2016 - LADY LUCX & SARA STEWART
ARTIST: Lady Lucx & Sarah Stewart LOCATION: 525 S Wabash AveABOUT THIS PROJECT:While working on this project Lady Lucx stated, “The location was my first influence. The garage is in view as the orange line meets the Loop coming from the south side of Chicago, where it changes from neighborhoods and families to the beast of downtown life” – as quoted in Sandra Steinbrecher’s Wabash Arts Corridor / Big Walls / 2016 PHOTO CREDIT: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2016
BIG WALLS 2016 - RUBEN AGUIRRE
ARTIST: Ruben AguirrePROJECT TITLE: Drowning in the CityLOCATION: 501 & 525 S Wabash AveABOUT THIS PROJECT:Ruben Aguirre is a Chicago-based painter who has transitioned from graffiti writing to an abstract/contemporary muralist.While working on this project Aguirre stated, “The first inspiration is the space itself. My work is a response to a site specific place, so looking, thinking and reacting with paint is the result of being there.” – as quoted in Sandra Steinbrecher’s Wabash Arts Corridor / Big Walls / 2016 PHOTO CREDIT: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2016
BIG WALLS 2016 - ZOR ZOR ZOR
ARTIST: Zor Zor ZorPROJECT TITLE: Goralu, Czy Ci Nie ZalLOCATION: 600 S MichiganABOUT THIS PROJECT:While working on this project Zor Zor Zor stated, “The inspiration for the WAC wall piece is my culture and where I come from. My parents moved to Chicago from southern Poland in the 70’s. We are highlanders or in polish “Gorale”. I chose to paint a dancing couple dressed in traditional “Goralskie” costume.”- as quoted in Sandra Steinbrecher’s Wabash Arts Corridor / Big Walls / 2016 PHOTO CREDIT: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2016
STREET LEVEL 2017 - ANDREA DUNN
TITLE: The Wave ARTIST: Andrea DunnLOCATION: 619 S. Wabash ARTIST STATEMENT:"The Wave" is part of a larger series called “Plastic Paradise,” which explores the relationship of man-made materials and natural landscapes. In the series, plastic bags are carefully sculpted into abstract scenes through posing and lighting. This specific image gives the illusion of depth to the building's facade while the vibrant blues bring energy to the city block. PHOTO CREDIT: Columbia College Chicago - 2017 ABOUT THIS PROJECT:Andrea Dunn was the winner of the 2016 People’s Choice WAC mural, and also won the alumni design contest for the photo project that hangs above the new ShopColumbia.Producers: Tracey Drobot and Julianna Cuevas, ShopColumbia
BIG WALLS 2016 - DMNOLOGY
PROJECT: Stars and Styles by DMNologyLOCATION: 618 S. Wabash (South facing wall)ABOUT THIS PROJECT:DMNOLOGY or “DMN” the graffiti sorcerer, hails from the city of Chicago. He embarked on his artistic journey at an early age in the inner city neighborhoods, spray painting his nom de plume “Demon” on the walls and elevated trains of Chicago. Although, he prefers to call it the “Wild Onion” style in reference to the indigenous name of Chicago. His style ranges from abstract to illustrative.PHOTO CREDIT: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2016
ALLS 2016 - RICKY LEE GORDON
TITLE: I Am You, You Are MeARTIST: Ricky Lee Gordon LOCATION: 634 S. Wabash ABOUT THIS PROJECT:Ricky Lee Gordon is a self-taught artist born in Johannesburg, previously working under the pseudonym Freddy Sam. In this piece Gordon deals with non-duality and interconnectedness.While working on this piece Gordon state, ” I chose to paint the leather jacket to connect with the hide of the horse. Fashion has become a second skin . . . it seems to be a way for us to feel included and give us a sense that we belong or fit in.” – as quoted in Sandra Steinbrecher’s Wabash Arts Corridor / Big Walls / 2016 PHOTO CREDIT: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2016
PEOPLE’S CHOICE 2016: ANDREA DUNN
ARTIST: Andrea DunnPROJECT TITLE: PeacockLOCATION: 623 S Wabash AvePHOTO CREDIT: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2016ABOUT THIS PROJECT:Andrea Dunn is the winner of the 2016 People’s Choice mural.While working on this project Dunn stated, ” The peacock is a symbol of allowing myself to be free and explore abstract shapes, but in a contained space.”- as quoted in Sandra Steinbrecher’s Wabash Arts Corridor / Big Walls / 2016
COLUMBIA ALUMNI COMPETITION - HEIDI UNKEFER
PROJECT: Columbia Alumni Competition MuralLOCATION: 623 S. Wabash Ave. South Facing WallDATE: August 14, 2015ABOUT THIS PROJECT:Columbia alumni, Heidi Unkefer, composes her largest mural to date in her signature illustrative style. Heidi was chosen as the winner of the second WAC alumni competition hosted by Columbia College Chicago.
WABASH ARTS CORRI-DOORS - TARA HAMILTON
TITLE: TranscendenceARTIST: Tara Hamilton LOCATION: 636 S Michigan Avenue alley ARTIST STATEMENT:Tara uses plants and animals merged with the human form to invoke our perpetual connection to nature that is lost within our current society, as well as to illustrate vitality and purity. She describes this piece as follows: “In my work I have drawn inspiration from the connections between self and interpersonal relationships. I often focus on the difficulties of accepting the light and shadow within life, within ourselves, and within those who are close to us. This piece focuses on the resilience of human nature and hope. How we can suffer great pains and traumas, we can still manage to find light and beauty within the struggle. Lotus flowers are growing from areas of trauma and damage on the hand, the lotus is known for being a flower of rebirth and self- regeneration. With empathy and compassion for ourselves, from our wounds, we have the strength to bloom into something beautiful."PHOTO CREDIT: Phil Dembinski ABOUT THIS PROJECT:Curator/Producer: Yvvi AtanassovProduction Assistance: Neysa Page-Lieberman and Meg DuguidThis project was generously commissioned by Blackstone Hotel at 636 S Michigan Avenue. Special thanks to marketing manager Clare Saviski for making this project possible.
WABASH ARTS CORRI-DOORS - MEGAN TROGLIO
TITLE: Orange Space ARTIST: Megan Troglio LOCATION: 777 S State alley ARTIST STATEMENT:Megan @Trogs Troglio is an independent Internet Artist creating works that stand as strongly in person as they do in a digital realm. About her work she says: "Orange Space is a divine manifestation of passion. It was a challenge and delight working on this project. Visit the place to be immersed with bright warm colors and flowing energy. Take what you need as a memory, stay for a moment, and leave a thought of light & love. Thank you to all involved."PHOTO CREDIT: Phil DembinskiABOUT THIS PROJECT:Curator/Producer: Yvvi AtanassovProduction Assistance: Neysa Page-Lieberman and Meg DuguidThis project was generously commissioned by GroupFox Property Management at 777 South State. Special thanks to property manager Shanon Davidson for making this project possible.
BIG WALLS 2016 - AMUSE 126
PROJECT: AMUSE 126LOCATION: 777 S. State (North Facing wall)ABOUT THIS PROJECT:AMUSE 126, a Chicago native, lures an unaware audience into a new dimension of abstract typography and illustrative design with his murals. Chicago Truborn Gallery and Group Fox partnered with the Wabash Arts Corridor to bring this piece to life as part of the inaugural Big Walls festival!PHOTO CREDIT: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2016
DESCENDING TO HEAVEN - DARRYLL SCHIFF
ARTIST: Darryll SchiffPROJECT TITLE: “Descending to Heaven”LOCATION: 710 South WabashABOUT THIS PROJECT:The vinyl mural is 24 x 56 photograph entitled “Descending to Heaven.” Schiff’s project was completely funded with a Kickstarter campaign by the people within the community and will help add to WAC and Chicago’s growing artistic reputation. The piece is a reimagining of Jitish Kallat’s Public Notice 3,based on comments regarding the evolution and devolution of religious tolerance over the last two centuries.
WABASH ARTS CORRI-DOORS - ERIK SALGADO
TITLE: Faces with CrownARTIST: Erik Salgado LOCATION: 737 S Wabash AveARTIST STATEMENT:Erik Salgado is a Chicago based interdisciplinary artist. Born from Mexican parents and raised in Chicago, Erik grew an interest in graffiti and hip hop culture both themes often seen his work. About this piece he says: "I have been working in this style for the past few years. This body of work is influenced by Mesoamerican sculpture/architecture and graffiti aesthetics/techniques. This body of work lives through printmaking, traditional/digital drawings, paintings and now outdoor murals. This mural on the Hilton and with the opportunity given by the Wabash Arts Corri-doors project jump-starts the beginning of strategically making this body of work more public through street art."PHOTO CREDIT: Phil DembinskiABOUT THIS PROJECT:Curator/Producer: Yvvi AtanassovProduction Assistance: Neysa Page-Lieberman and Meg DuguidThis project was generously commissioned by Hilton Hotel at 720 S Michigan Ave. Special thanks to property manager John Wells for making this project possible.
WABASH ARTS CORRI-DOORS - MELANIE VAZQUEZ
TITLE: Something SacredARTIST: Melanie Vazquez LOCATION: 737 S Wabash AveARTIST STATEMENT:“Something Sacred (Algo Sagrado)” is a symbol of hope. It is for those who make sacrifices in hopes of creating an opportunity at a better life for their families. It is for those that are willing to walk through closed doors without knowledge of what they may discover, but they do it for their family anyway. This mural stands in solidarity with those fighting against all odds regardless of status, income, gender, race, culture, religion, etc. “Something Sacred (Algo Sagrado)” is a dedication to Familia Vazquez and Familia Esparza. A huge thank you to the production assistant, Sean Grant. PHOTO CREDIT: Phil DembinskiABOUT THIS PROJECT:Curator/Producer: Yvvi AtanassovProduction Assistance: Neysa Page-Lieberman and Meg DuguidThis project was generously commissioned by Hilton Hotel at 720 S Michigan Ave. Special thanks to property manager John Wells for making this project possible.
WABASH ARTS CORRI-DOORS - LILY COZZENS
TITLE No Hard FeelingsARTIST: Lily Cozzens LOCATION: 737 S Wabash AveARTIST STATEMENT:Lily Cozzens is an artist and illustrator living and working in Chicago. Through realism and accessible materials, she utilizes the medium of drawing to explore and balance the ideas of sincerity and banality. Lily describes the artwork as follows: “Overall, the aesthetic of the piece focuses on geometric shapes interrupting natural, organic forms, proving a magical element to temper the realistic execution. The owl is an apex predator, meaning that it is at the top of the food chain. The geometric forms provide a literal insight - x-ray style- into the owl, showing its prey, and the diet of the smaller animals will also be shown. The levels of the food chain, brought into an urban area on a door, emphasizing the interconnectedness of nature.”PHOTO CREDIT: Phil DembinskiABOUT THIS PROJECT:Curator/Producer: Yvvi AtanassovProduction Assistance: Neysa Page-Lieberman and Meg DuguidThis project was generously commissioned by Hilton Hotel at 720 S Michigan Ave. Special thanks to property manager John Wells for making this project possible.
HILTON PHOTO PROJECT
PROJECT: Hilton Photo ProjectLOCATION: 8th and WabashABOUT THIS PROJECT:The Hilton Photo Project is an ongoing project that launched in the spring of 2013. For the first year, four large-scale photographs adorned the west-facing wall of the Hilton Chicago, which were produced in a Columbia College fashion photography class working in partnership with Global Design Services of Hilton Worldwide. In spring of 2014, the initiative expanded when the four photos were replaced by new images and four additional photographs were installed on the south facing wall.
KASHINK
PROJECT: Kashink LOCATION: 801 S. Wabash (north-facing wall) ABOUT THIS PROJECT:French artist, Kashink, is known for painting large four-eyes characters, using bright colors and thick lines. She says she likes exploring the absurdity of social interactions through the theme of masks, the taboo of death and the various ways of dealing with it, especially in the Latino culture. Kashink is also known for wearing a mustache, much like the images she creates. Thanks to Chicago Truborn Gallery for curating this piece. “Be The Change” (above Kashnik’s piece) painted by Stuk One.
STOP TELLING WOMEM TO SMILE - TATYANA FAZLALIZADEH
ARTIST: Tatyana FazlalizadehPROJECT TITLE: "Stop Telling Women To Smile"LOCATION: 801 S. Wabash (west-facing wall) ABOUT THIS PROJECT:Tatyana’s newest mural in her “Step Telling Women To Smile” series.
BIG WALLS 2016 - MARINA ZUMI
ARTIST: Marina ZumiPROJECT TITLE: Impossible MeetingLOCATION: 910 S Michigan Ave (West facing wall)ABOUT THIS PROJECT:Marina Zumi is most associated with the early street art scene and her work with one of the formative groups “Expression Sessions” in Buenos Aires. Zumi came to street art from a fashion design background which has contributed to the development of a unique style that is colorful and feminine.While working on this project Zumi stated, “My motivation comes in my daily life. I try to reflect human behavior through natural and animal scenes” – as quoted in Sandra Steinbrecher’s Wabash Arts Corridor / Big Walls / 2016 PHOTO CREDIT: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2016
WE OWN THE FUTURE - SHEPARD FAIREY
ARTIST: Shepard FaireyPROJECT TITLE: "We Own The Future"LOCATION: 916 S. Wabash ABOUT THIS PROJECT:Columbia College Chicago has teamed up with Shepard Fairey (OBEY series, Obama HOPE) and three other Art Alliance: The Provocateurs artists to showcase their work in the Wabash Arts Corridor as part of the exhibition with Lollapalooza. Four of the top names in subversive street art—Shepard Fairey, Cleon Peterson, POSE, and RETNA—have used the corridor as their “living urban canvas,” injecting provocative, large-scale artworks into one of Chicago’s major emerging art scenes. The outdoor art, as part of the Wabash Arts Corridor, will remain indefinitely.“Street art and graffiti are no longer strictly defined as vandalism and deserves to be recognized as a valid and important art genre,” said Shepard Fairey, artist and curator of The Provocateurs. “It challenges the notion that public space should be dominated by advertising and government signage. Columbia College and the City of Chicago have enthusiastically supported our outdoor mural project.”
BIG WALLS 2016 - HERA
TITLE: Imagine if We Could Tolerate Each Other's Differences ARTIST: Hera LOCATION: 916 S. Wabash ABOUT THIS PROJECT:While working on this mural Hera stated, “The beauty of murals is that they can be done by one person, on one day, expressing one thought right there and then, without huge funding, without much effort, without the need to be conserved forever. A mural can be painted over easily, or will fade in the sun anyway . . . it basically proves that a single person can claim a space in this big world and make a statement visible. I think that is a very empowering message” – as quoted in Sandra Steinbrecher’s Wabash Arts Corridor / Big Walls / 2016 PHOTO CREDIT: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2016
BIG WALLS 2016 - JUSTUS ROE
ARTIST: Justus RoePROJECT TITLE: Standing WaveLOCATION: 1001 S State St.ABOUT THIS PROJECT:While working on this project Justus Roe stated, “All of my pieces are inspired by a combination of the location, the audience, and my own aesthetic style and progression. The work is an abstraction of metropolitan landscapes and experiences executed through a learned, but spontaneous improvisational style done in the moment.” – as quoted in Sandra Steinbrecher’s Wabash Arts Corridor / Big Walls / 2016 PHOTO CREDIT: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2016
THE PROVOCATEURS - POSE
ARTIST: PoseLOCATION: 72 E. 11th StreetABOUT THIS PROJECT:Columbia College Chicago has teamed up with Shepard Fairey (OBEY series, Obama HOPE) and three other Art Alliance: The Provocateurs artists to showcase their work in the Wabash Arts Corridor as part of the exhibition with Lollapalooza. Four of the top names in subversive street art—Shepard Fairey, Cleon Peterson, POSE, and RETNA—have used the corridor as their “living urban canvas,” injecting provocative, large-scale artworks into one of Chicago’s major emerging art scenes. The outdoor art, as part of the Wabash Arts Corridor, will remain indefinitely.“Street art and graffiti are no longer strictly defined as vandalism and deserves to be recognized as a valid and important art genre,” said Shepard Fairey, artist and curator of The Provocateurs. “It challenges the notion that public space should be dominated by advertising and government signage. Columbia College and the City of Chicago have enthusiastically supported our outdoor mural project.”
TORNADO - KRISTEN KULA
ARTIST: Kristen KulaPROJECT TITLE: TornadoLOCATION: 72 E. 11th Street, Chicago, Il 60605 (West facing wall) ABOUT THIS PROJECT: Columbia College Chicago’s WAC Campus Committee launched a student and alumni competition in the spring of 2014 and Tornado by Kristen Kula was selected as one of the winners
SISTER CITIES - HELLO KIRSTEN
TITLE: Listen To LearnARTIST: Hello KirstenLOCATION: 72 E. 11th StreetARTIST STATEMENT:Hello Kirsten aka Kirsten McCrea's detailed artworks showcase layered histories, using ornamentation and patterning to reveal alternate narratives that celebrate diversity in all its forms. Her mural Listen to Learn was created as a reminder that listening is a key element of understanding, educating, and harmony. Reflecting on how she came up with the idea for this project Kirsten said: “We are living in a particularly fearful and divisive time. This work highlights a path forward through patterns, motifs and designs that honor diverse points of view, pointing a way towards dialogue that is open-minded and participatory. The mural itself is representative of multicultural patterns that hint at Chicago’s particular demographic mix. In the middle, a telephone receiver is held up and out of the ear piece a bright beam of color emerges; highlighting the fact that listening illuminates life, bringing out more nuanced color, texture, and greater general awareness."PHOTO CREDIT: Sandra Steinbrecher
STREET LEVEL 2017 - HECTOR DUARTE
TITLE: Desenredando Fronteras (Unraveling Border #2)ARTIST: Hector Duarte LOCATION: 1014 S. Michigan ARTIST STATEMENT:I relate everything with this theme to immigration. The butterfly flies from Canada to Mexico. The butterflies fly freely, and the human being does not—they go and come back.PHOTO CREDIT: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2017ABOUT THIS PROJECT:Lead Curator: Meg DuguidCo-Producers: Meg Duguid and Neysa Page-LiebermanSite and Production Manager: Connie StanleyProject Manager: Meg DuguidProject Assistant: Sydney PachaAssistant Artist: Gloria Talamantes
BIG WALLS 2016 - COLLIN VAN DER SLUIJS
PROJECT: From Bloom to Doom LOCATION: 1006 S. Michigan Avenue (North facing wall) ABOUT THIS PROJECT:Collin van der Sluijs is a renowned painter and illustrator from The Netherlands, where he lives and works. Thanks to JK Equities and Vertical Gallery for partnering with the Wabash Arts Corridor and bringing Collin’s work to the district! “From Bloom to Doom” showcases two endangered birds from Illinois – the yellow-headed blackbird and the red-headed woodpecker – amongst native flowers.PHOTO CREDIT: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2016
BIG WALLS 2016 - RENEE ROBBINS
ARTIST: Renee RobbinsPROJECT TITLE: X Marks the Milky WayLOCATION: 1130 S MichiganABOUT THIS PROJECT:While working on this project Robbins stated, “My work focuses on creating relationships between the microscopic and the telescopic. This work draws from treasure maps, which represent a quest to find something unexpected and it offers a place for dreaming about our relationship to nature and the cosmos.” – as quoted in Sandra Steinbrecher’s Wabash Arts Corridor / Big Walls / 2016 PHOTO CREDIT: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2016
BIG WALLS 2016 - DON’T FRET
PROJECT: Don't FretLOCATION: 1152 S. Wabash (North facing wall)ABOUT THIS PROJECT:Don’t Fret is a Chicago native and Columbia College alum and his practice includes drawing, painting, sculpture, performance and installation-based work both on the street and in the gallery space.PHOTO CREDIT: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2016
1000 WALL - MAD C
TITLE: 1000 WallARTIST: Mad CLOCATION: 1326 S. MichiganARTIST STATEMENT:I was very excited about the opportunity to work with Neysa for the Wabash Arts Corridor of which I had heard quite a bit before already. When she sent me photos and measurements of the wall I was intimidated by the size, which hasn’t happened in a long time. But absolutely everyone on that project was dedicated 100% and made this mural my smoothest painting experience to date. We had no broken lifts, we didn’t run out of paint and we were very lucky with the weather. I was even offered a physical therapist because after 22 years of painting, this mural had caused me the first sore arm ever.” The 1000 Wall – aptly titled for its immense size of 1000 square meters – is world-renowned MadC’s largest mural to date. The work was painted in under two weeks with two lifts, 30 gallons of bucket paint and 1093 Molotow spray cans.PHOTO CREDIT: Marco Prosch with drone footage assistance by Jayson de LeonABOUT THIS PROJECT:Lead Curator/Producer: Neysa Page-Lieberman, NPL ProjectsSite and Production Manager: Abie Vasquez, AB Productions, with assistance from Adam Angotti and Jairo BuitronAssistant Artist: Hans Schmitter aka HAKS 180Photography: Marco Prosch with assistance from Jayson de LeonProjection Specialist: Nathan DestroThis project was generously commissioned by Murphy Development Group for The Paragon Chicago. THANK YOU.
STREET LEVEL 2017 - SHELBY GAHM
TITLE: Disparate Bodies in SpaceARTIST: Shelby Gahm LOCATION: 1306 Michigan AveARTIST STATEMENT:Disparate Bodies in Space came from my curiosity with juxtaposing the abstract with reality. Almost always, abstract art is only seen hanging on white walls in galleries and museums. I wanted to create a piece of work that looks as though it should be hanging in a gallery and instead, paint it on the side of a building. I chose to create a piece whose base color nearly blends into its surrounding and contrast that with bright neon colors and abstract shapes, which an audience may have a harder time correlating with as part of reality. Almost like an alien to the earth, I wanted this piece to stand out not only for its unlikely location, but as well as its unearthly color and form.PHOTO CREDIT: Shelby Gahm ABOUT THIS PROJECT:Shelby Gahm is a winner of the 2017 WAC People’s Choice competition.Production Manager: Mark Porter, Exhibition Manager for Department of Exhibition and Performance Spaces at Columbia College ChicagoProduction Assistants: Ashley King and Lauren van Reken
STREET LEVEL 2017 - SAM KIRK
TITLE: The Seeds We Plant Today Determine Our Growth For TomorrowARTIST: Sam Kirk LOCATION: 1306 S. Michigan ARTIST STATEMENT:"The Seeds We Plant Today Determine Our Growth For Tomorrow” mural highlights the work of Dolores Huerta in her role as an activist for human rights, additionally her strength and persistence as the only woman in a male dominated field. The power fist is a symbol seen in movements for marginalized people throughout history. Further symbolism is reflected in the sun which connects to the roots with the rising fists of the work of our ancestors. It is my duty to create work that makes women more visible, in content and process. My team is made up of strong female artists of color, so when people see us painting this work the message comes full circle and together we change minds. Women of Color must be seen more often as the strong, nurturing leaders that we are. PHOTO CREDIT: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2017ABOUT THIS PROJECT:Lead Curator: Meg DuguidCo-Producers: Meg Duguid and Neysa Page-LiebermanSite and Production Managers: Jenni Button and Abie VasquezProject Manager: Meg DuguidProject Assistant: Sydney PachaSponsorship Leads: Jenni Button and Meg DuguidAssistant Artists: Jennifer Cunningham and Eva Cancino
SISTER CITIES - DYNAM
ARTIST: DYNAM LOCATION: 1306 S. MichiganARTIST STATEMENT:This work is inspired by the new generation of young Moroccans who are open to the outside, connected with global trends, especially American trends. In addition to their open-mindedness, this young generation has a lot of affection for Moroccan traditions and culture. It is a generation full of talent and hope, able to cross boundaries and do things that previous generations often thought impossible. The position of the figure and his coat is normally that of an elderly man, after the harvest, who filled his bag of food, to feed his family and be an independent, capable and responsible father. This young generation, as pictured here, is also able to assume their responsibilities and realize their dreams while keeping their own unique identity and being open-minded to welcome the wealth of cultures from elsewhere. The pigeon and backdrop is a nod to Casablanca's most famous square, Place Mohamed V., where all generations of Moroccans and tourists come together in a peaceful atmosphere. I would really like to honor the sister cities of Chicago and Casablanca through this design.PHOTO CREDIT: Sandra Steinbrecher
STREET LEVEL 2017 - EELCO “IAMEELCO” VAN DEN BERG
TITLE: Wild LifeARTIST: Eelco Van den Berg LOCATION: 1306 S. Michigan (alley)ARTIST STATEMENT:Wild life shows the animals in their changed habitat. Through the metaphor of today's society where we are packed up in it’s galaxy. All reaching for the same star.PHOTO CREDIT: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2017ABOUT THIS PROJECT:Lead Curator: Sara DulkinCo-Producers: Sara Dulkin and Neysa Page-LiebermanSite and Production Managers: Sara Dulkin and Abie VasquezSponsorship Lead: Jenni ButtonProject Manager: Sydney Pacha
STREET LEVEL 2017 - LOUISE “OUIZI” CHEN
TITLE: China Truborn ARTIST: Louise "Ouizi" Chen LOCATION: 1312 S. Michigan PHOTO CREDIT: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2017ABOUT THIS PROJECT:Lead Curator: Sara DulkinCo-Producers: Sara Dulkin and Neysa Page-LiebermanSite and Production Managers: Sara Dulkin and Abie VasquezSponsorship Lead: Jenni ButtonProject Assistant: Sydney PachaAssistant Artist: Paul Johnson
STREET LEVEL 2017 - SHINIQUE SMITH
TITLE: I Am Love ARTIST: Shinique Smith LOCATION: 1600 S. State PHOTO CREDIT: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2017ABOUT THIS PROJECT:Lead Curator/Producer: Neysa Page-LiebermanSite and Production Manager: Abie VasquezSponsorship Lead: Jenni ButtonAssistant Producer: Sara DulkinAssistant Artists: Ryan “Stuk One” Lape, Terrence “Dredske” Byas, JJ McLuckie.
