Muddy Waters Tribute Wall
TITLE: Muddy Waters Tribute Wall
ARTIST: Eduardo Kobra
PROJECT: Big Walls
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
The Native American of Chicago
TITLE: The Native American of Chicago
ARTIST: Ella & Pitr
PROJECT: Big Walls
LOCATION: 527 S Wells
PHOTO CREDIT: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2016
ABOUT 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, 2015
ABOUT 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
NOT VISIBLE
TITLE: Penny for Your Thoughts
ARTIST: Morley
LOCATION: 424 S. Wabash
ABOUT 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
La Magia de Luzia
TITLE: La Magia de Luzia
ARTIST: Gloria "Gloe" Talamantes
PROJECT: Street Level 2017
LOCATION: 33 E. Congress Parkway
ARTIST 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-Lieberman
Site Manager: Abie Vasquez
Assistant Producer: Sydney Pacha
Assistant Artists: Alejandro Colunga, David Gonzalez, Brandon P. Macias, Gloria Vale of Yollocalli Arts Reach
The 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.
Just Another Smiley Day
TITLE: Just Another Smiley Day
ARTIST: Evan Kasle
PROJECT: WABASH ARTS CORRI-DOORS
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 Dembinski
ABOUT THIS PROJECT:
Curator/Producer: Yvvi Atanassov
Production Assistance: Neysa Page-Lieberman and Meg Duguid
This 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.
Harmony
TITLE: Harmony
ARTIST: Ben Eine
LOCATION: University Center's East facing wall 525 S. State Street (view the mural from the corner of Harrison and Wabash)
ABOUT THIS PROJECT
London-based artist, Ben Eine, uses brightly colored lettering in his signature circus-y font to create his mural, Harmony, stretching 240 feet long and 30 feet tall, with its base starting about 17 feet off the ground.
On the Wings of Change
TITLE: On the Wings of Change
ARTIST: Diosa
PROJECT: Suffrage 2020 Illinois
LOCATION: 33 East Ida B Wells Drive (South Side)
PHOTO CREDIT: Sandra Steinbrecher
ARTIST STATEMENT:
On the Wings of Change depicts a young adolescent girl enthralled in wonder as she opens a magical book from which the history of Chicago’s women’s suffrage emerges as enchanted pages that whirl all around her. The animated pages contain portraits of key figures in the local suffrage movement. The entire scene is unified by a flight of swallows, who are well known for their resilience in long distance migrations, representing the inspiring journey of women who dared to soar to new heights. This design aims to capture the marvel and awe that sweeps over young girls as they begin to learn about the women before them who courageously organized and fearlessly strived to establish empowerment for their voices. For inspiration for the figure at the bottom I photographed a 14-year-old girl, who will be eligible to vote in the next presidential election. During our session we discussed how the right to vote is a privilege which in the not-so-distant past excluded women and minorities. In the course of our conversation, she realized that she will soon be passed the torch that women have historically fought for and that with it the responsibility of this great legacy will become hers. In this manner, Vanessa represents the spirit of the suffrage movement and is the present-day embodiment of hope for the future.
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Diosa (Jasmina Cazacu) is a Spanish-Romanian painter based out of Chicago, IL. She uses surreal, dreamlike imagery to create fantastical scenes that dare her audience to challenge their perceptions, question reality, and appreciate the magic that is always flourishing beneath the surface of the mundane. Diosa’s pieces ultimately function as social critiques exploring themes such as feminism & social politics. The topic of femininity is prevalent throughout Diosas’s work; her audience is continually challenged to consider an analytic approach to its concepts of and interactions with the feminine.
SUFFRAGISTS DEPICTED:
Mary Livermore, Frances E. Willard, Mary Fitzbutler Waring, Myra Bradwell, Fannie Barrier Williams, Ida B. Wells, Catharine Waugh McCulloch, Jane Addams, Grace Wilbur Trout, and Agnes Nestor
learn more about the Suffragists here
ABOUT THE CHICAGO WOMXN'S SUFFRAGE TRIBUTE COMMITTEE
The Chicago Womxn's Suffrage Tribute Committee was formed in 2020 to honor the work of Illinois women for voting and other rights for women, and to ensure that the stories of women’s activism are told and not forgotten. The focus is to create public art projects that will reach wide audiences and serve to mark the work of women activists in public spaces and venues.
ABOUT THIS PROJECT:
Commissioning Committee: The Chicago Womxn’s Suffrage Tribute Committee: Meg Duguid, Michelle Duster, Catherine Mardikes, Kris Nesbitt, Lori Osborne, and Neysa Page-Lieberman
Producer: Meg Duguid
Site and Production Manager: Abie Vasquez, AB Productions
Assistant Artist: Jesus Navarrete, The Art Bunch Inc
Photography: Sandra Steinbrecher
This project was made possible with donations from individual supporters and Chicago Foundation for Women, Jane Walker by Johnnie Walker, The Harnisch Foundation, Chicago Women’s History Center, and the Illinois Arts Council Agency
Moose Bubblegum Bubble
TITLE: Moose Bubblegum Bubble
ARTIST: Jacob Watts
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
Lady Lucx & Sarah Stewart
ARTIST: Lady Lucx & Sarah Stewart
PROJECT: Big Walls 2016
LOCATION: 525 S Wabash Ave
ABOUT 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
Drowning in the City
TITLE: Drowning in the City
ARTIST: Ruben Aguirre
PROJECT: Big Walls 2016
LOCATION: 501 & 525 S Wabash Ave
ABOUT 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
Goralu, Czy Ci Nie Zal
TITLE: Goralu, Czy Ci Nie Zal
ARTIST: Zor Zor Zor
PROJECT: Big Walls 2016
LOCATION: 600 S Michigan
ABOUT 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
My Exploding Head
TITLE: My Exploding Head
ARTIST: JJ McLuckie
LOCATION: 600 S. Michigan
Sponsored by Travelodge
Watermelon Sugar
TITLE: Watermelon Sugar
ARTIST: Jada Russell
LOCATION: Shop Columbia, Located at 619 S Wabash.
Rectangular Woman
Inside ShopColumbia
TITLE: Rectangular Woman
ARTIST: Ivan Brunetti
LOCATION: 619 S. Wabash
ARTIST STATEMENT
I was obsessed for a time with creating a statuesque yet cartoon-like image "drawn" with painter's tape, using only perpendicular and parallel lines (and no diagonals), in which the wall color served also as the line. I also hoped the boxiness of the resulting image would interact playfully with all the nearby architecture.
ABOUT THIS PROJECT
This piece was created specifically for the new ShopColumbia space.
Producers: Tracey Drobot and Julianna Cuevas, ShopColumbia
Production Assistant: David Knight
Stars and Styles
NOT VISIBLE
TITLE: Stars and Styles
ARTIST: DMNology
PROJECT: Big Walls 2016
LOCATION: 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
I Am You, You Are Me
NOT VISIBLE
TITLE: I Am You, You Are Me
ARTIST: Ricky Lee Gordon
PROJECT: Big Walls 2016
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
Cleon Peterson
NOT VISIBLE
ARTIST: Cleon Peterson
LOCATION: 634 S. Wabash
MORE INFORMATION
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.”
Tsel One
NOT VISIBLE
ARTIST: Tsel One (Nino Rodriguez)
LOCATION: Northwest corner of Wabash and Balbo
MORE INFORMATION
ABOUT THIS PROJECT
Created by Columbia College alumnus and Chicago-based artist Nino Rodriguez (B.A. ’05), the mural is a vibrant snapshot of the city of Chicago, including portions depicting the city skyline, CTA trains and sports team logos.
Rodriguez designed the piece in fall 2012 especially for the Wabash Arts Corridor and was made possible by the dedication of the wall space by building owners Jos. Cacciatore & Co. Real Estate.
*This mural no longer exists.
Votes for Women
TITLE: Votes for Women
ARTIST: AB Productions
PROJECT: Suffrage 2020 Illinois
LOCATION: 623 S Wabash Ave
ABOUT
"The third mural [in the Suffrage 2020 Illinois Project], produced by AB Productions features the striking yellow rose and the phrase 'Votes for Women,' a symbol and call to arms that was popular during the several decades-long Suffrage movement. The three murals together connect past and current feminist leaders and their achievements. This groundbreaking series is the only large-scale public history tribute in the city of Chicago, and one of the largest projects in the nation to commemorate the decades-long fight for women’s inclusion in our democracy."
Speak Up!
TITLE: Speak Up!
ARTIST: Dorian Sylvain
PROJECT: Suffrage 2020 Illinois
LOCATION: 623 S Wabash Ave, South Side
ABOUT
"The Chicago Womxn’s Suffrage Tribute Committee, in conjunction with the Wabash Arts Corridor, announces the completion and dedication of Speak Up! by Dorian Sylvain. This work completes a monumental new mural series in Chicago’s loop celebrating the work of Illinois women activists to obtain the right to vote and recognizing the ongoing struggle for women’s equality."
"The artist, Dorian Sylvain, created a text-based accompaniment to the first mural referencing the struggle for equality that continues to this day through the words 'I’m Speaking' said by Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2020 Vice Presidential debate."
Transcendence
TITLE: Transcendence
ARTIST: Tara Hamilton
PROJECT: WABASH ARTS CORRI-DOORS
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 Atanassov
Production Assistance: Neysa Page-Lieberman and Meg Duguid
This project was generously commissioned by Blackstone Hotel at 636 S Michigan Avenue. Special thanks to marketing manager Clare Saviski for making this project possible.
Make Your Own Luck
TITLE: Make Your Own Luck
ARTIST: ASVP
LOCATION: 1 East Balbo, South Loop Club
ABOUT THIS PROJECT:
Brooklyn artistic duo known as ASVP created this mural as part of Vertical Gallery’s “The Power of Paint” series, focusing on the theme of using art to help others. A portion of each artist’s sale from the showcase was donated to a charity of their choice.
AMUSE 126
ARTIST: AMUSE 126
PROJECT: Big Walls 2016
LOCATION: 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
NOT VISIBLE
TITLE: Descending to Heaven
ARTIST: Darryll Schiff
LOCATION: 710 South Wabash
ABOUT 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.
Orange Space
TITLE: Orange Space
ARTIST: Megan Troglio
PROJECT: WABASH ARTS CORRI-DOORS
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 Dembinski
ABOUT THIS PROJECT:
Curator/Producer: Yvvi Atanassov
Production Assistance: Neysa Page-Lieberman and Meg Duguid
This project was generously commissioned by GroupFox Property Management at 777 South State. Special thanks to property manager Shanon Davidson for making this project possible.
Curious Bunny
TITLE: Curious Bunny
ARTIST: Cheri Lee Charlton.
LOCATION: 754 S. Wabash
ABOUT
"This playful piece adorning Columbia’s Student Center's north wall shows a stylized bunny jumping through a thorny garden. The bunny is a nod to student curiosity, with the thorns symbolizing the challenges faced before reaching one's goals. At more than 9,000 square feet, it’s the largest mural created by a woman in Chicago. Located in Chicago's South Loop On the North Facing side of Columbia College Chicago Student Center at 754 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605."
Picnic Party
TITLE: Picnic Party
ARTIST: Maegan Collins
PROJECT: WABASH ARTS CORRI-DOORS
LOCATION: 754 S. Wabash Ave (Alley Side)
TAMGHAT
TITLE: TAMGHAT
ARTIST: Bakr
PROJECT: Casablanca Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International
LOCATION: Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave
ABOUT
“In the high elevations and deep valleys of the Moroccan Atlas Mountains are scattered small forgotten villages where the Amazigh community lives. I made several visits to the Atlas Mountains, where I was charmed by the energy of nature and the beauty of the locals, by their faces, language, and traditions. They always welcome their guests with goodness and a special traditional group dance called "Ahidous," where men, women, and children dance and sing in a beautiful harmony. This work is a tribute to those people and to the Moroccan Amazigh culture.” -- Bakr Addaoui
This project was produced in conjunction with the Casablanca Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, in collaboration with Francis W. Parker School where Bakr was in residence in October 2022. Additional support was provided by Hilton Chicago.
Chicago Sister Cities International is an initiative of World Business Chicago, a public-private, nonprofit partnership that drives inclusive economic growth and job creation, supports business, and promotes Chicago as a leading global city.
Resting Knight
TITLE: Resting Knight
ARTIST: Skellulite
PROJECT: WABASH ARTS CORRI-DOORS
LOCATION: Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave (Wabash Ave Side)
ARTIST STATEMENT
"I love exploring fantastical imagery in my work. Growing up with slavic folktales, I've always been surrounded by tales of creatures and anthropomorphic animals going about on their own journeys and adventures to then come to a grand conclusion or lesson. In this piece I wanted to document the middle of that grand journey. By having a knight figure resting in the central composition, I want to encourage viewers to also take a moment to rest with the figure and contemplate where they may be continuing their own journey to next."
Fruit Salad
NOT VISIBLE
TITLE: Fruit Salad
ARTIST: Maegan Collins
PROJECT: WABASH ARTS CORRI-DOORS
LOCATION: Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave (Wabash Ave Side)
ARTIST STATEMENT
"My mural design is an abstract inspired piece of Pico de gallo featuring bold colors to create this pattern. I wanted my painting to be eye-catching, fun, and vibrant. When creating work I like to focus on how shapes and colors interact with each other in an object and how I can put my own twist on it. I created this design to put emphasis on bold paint strokes and movement in the artwork."
Bat's Imagination
TITLE: Bat's Imagination
ARTIST: Ruby Bean
PROJECT: WABASH ARTS CORRI-DOORS
LOCATION: Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave (Wabash Ave Side)
The Squawkers
TITLE: The Squawkers
ARTIST: Chloe DeVries
PROJECT: WABASH ARTS CORRI-DOORS
LOCATION: Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave (Wabash Ave Side)
Blue Birds
TITLE: Blue Birds
ARTIST: DILLYILLO (Dilyn Halverson)
PROJECT: WABASH ARTS CORRI-DOORS
LOCATION: Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave (Wabash Ave Side)
ABOUT:
"This mural, Blue Birds, was created as a peaceful and calming reprieve from the bustling downtown Chicago life. It features floral and avian motifs and draws inspiration from folk art and painted porcelain tiles."
Bunny Boy
TITLE: Bunny Boy
ARTIST: Zicrona (Ziccy Delamarter)
PROJECT: WABASH ARTS CORRI-DOORS
LOCATION: Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave (Wabash Ave Side)
ARTIST STATEMENT
Ziccy is a fine artist, illustrator, and street gore fanatic based in Chicago, IL. Using both digital and traditional materials, they explore themes of queerness, rage, and trans visibility. Through studies of the figure, anatomy, and found specimens, Ziccy creates visual narratives inspired by their experiences.
This mural depicts an original character of mine, Puck. Puck is bringing color to the grimy, desaturated world he lives in through his street art. He has wholly covered his surroundings in a range of saturated hues with his weapon of choice; the spray can. The Graffiti scene here in Chicago often leaves me disappointed with its intolerance of POC and queer artists. As a queer and trans artist myself, I wanted to portray imagery that changes the narrative with a piece depicting a confident, queer character breaking the mold.
Hilton Photo Project
PROJECT: Hilton Photo Project
LOCATION: 8th and Wabash
ABOUT THIS PROJECT:
The Hilton Photo Project is a 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.
Fun fact: the images are now faded in black and white due to sun damage.
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 Women to Smile
TITLE: Stop Telling Women to Smile
ARTIST: Tatyana Fazlalizadeh
LOCATION: 801 S. Wabash (west-facing wall)
ABOUT THIS PROJECT:
Tatyana’s newest mural in her Step Telling Women to Smile series.
"Stop Telling Women to Smile is a public art and social practice series. The work addresses gender-based street harassment by placing drawn portraits of women and femmes, composed with text that speaks directly to offenders, outside in public spaces.
The project, by artist Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, was born out of the idea that public art can be an impactful tool for tackling street harassment.
STWTS started in Brooklyn in the fall of 2012. Since then, the work has traveled to cities across the US and globally. Fazlalizadeh has interviewed hundreds of women, and has created posters in several languages.
Street harassment is a serious issue that affects women worldwide. This project takes women’s voices, and faces, and puts them in the street -- creating a bold presence for women in an environment where they are so often made to feel uncomfortable and unsafe."
Impossible Meeting
TITLE: Impossible Meeting
ARTIST: Marina Zumi
PROJECT: Big Walls 2016
LOCATION: 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
TITLE: We Own the Future
ARTIST: Shepard Fairey
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.”
Swamp
TITLE: Swamp
ARTIST: Cecilia Beaven
LOCATION: 916 S. Wabash
Imagine if We Could Tolerate Each Other's Differences
ARTIST: Hera
TITLE: Imagine if We Could Tolerate Each Other's Differences
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
Standing Wave
TITLE: Standing Wave
ARTIST: Justus Roe
PROJECT: Big Walls 2016
LOCATION: 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
POSE
ARTIST: POSE
PROJECT: The Provocateurs
LOCATION: 72 E. 11th Street
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.”
Tornado
TITLE: Tornado
ARTIST: Kristen Kula
LOCATION: 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
Listen to Learn
TITLE: Listen to Learn
ARTIST: Hello Kirsten
PROJECT: Sister Cities
LOCATION: 72 E. 11th Street
ARTIST 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
Desenredando Fronteras (Unraveling Border #2)
TITLE: Desenredando Fronteras (Unraveling Border #2)
ARTIST: Hector Duarte
PROJECT: Street Level 2017
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 2017
ABOUT THIS PROJECT:
Lead Curator: Meg Duguid
Co-Producers: Meg Duguid and Neysa Page-Lieberman
Site and Production Manager: Connie Stanley
Project Manager: Meg Duguid
Project Assistant: Sydney Pacha
Assistant Artist: Gloria Talamantes
Endless Twist
TITLE: Endless Twist
ARTIST: Isabella Scott
PROJECT: WABASH ARTS CORRI-DOORS
LOCATION: 1014 S Michigan Ave (11th St side)
ARTIST STATMENT
"I created Endless Twist after discovering the lack of diversity in children’s literature. I made it a mission to design the illustrations I would have loved to see as a young girl. The kind of illustrations that celebrate diversity and the uniqueness of young black girls. A black girl's hair is just so special and unique and comes in so many shapes and textures. I really want girls to love their hair and everything about themselves. As a kid I remember always getting my hair done and loving the barrettes so I recreated that moment that myself and so many other young girls also relate to. In Endless Twist I really focused on creating a cute, bright, and fun mural that highlights the uniqueness of young black girls, promotes positivity, and brings a smile to every person passing by!"
ABOUT THIS PROJECT
This project was generously commissioned by Facilities & Operations at Columbia College Chicago.
The Wabash Arts Corri-Doors project was founded by Yvvi Atanassov ’20
Time Piece
TITLE: Time Piece
ARTIST: Kaitlyn Beiriger
PROJECT: WABASH ARTS CORRI-DOORS
LOCATION: 1014 S Michigan Ave (11th Street Side)
ARTIST STATEMENT
"Time Piece" considers the relations of time and space as well as their assertive nature which exists beyond our control. It features a cartoonish figure, struggling to grasp onto a stable reality. As time is ever persisting, the unknown beckons upon us in silence. Life requires us to move forward through chaos, and it is important to remember how time is precious and everything is temporary.
Kaitlyn Beiriger is an artist and illustrator, seeking new opportunities to make her art visible. Her work focuses on conceptual and philosophical themes, paired with striking visual contrast, inviting viewers to consider existential thought, while simultaneously experiencing lightheartedness and occasional humorous undertones. Her illustrations have been used as album covers, murals, show posters, t shirt designs, and for a Chicago music festival, Ian's Party 2020. She graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2020 with a BA and a specialization in Illustration.
ABOUT THIS PROJECT
The Wabash Arts Corri-Doors project was founded by Yvvi Atanassov ’20
Affection
TITLE: Affection
ARTIST: Javier Figueroa
LOCATION: 1104 S Wabash Ave (alley)
PROJECT: WABASH ARTS CORRI-DOORS
ARTIST STATEMENT
"There's something about lovers when they show affection towards each other that brings out this intense energy and emotion. My intent is to depict that same energy and intimacy that comes from embracing one another."
ABOUT THIS PROJECT
This project was generously commissioned by Facilities & Operations at Columbia College Chicago.
The Wabash Arts Corri-Doors project was founded by Yvvi Atanassov ’20
self-reflection
NOT VISIBLE
TITLE: self-reflection
ARTIST: Tima
PROJECT: Casablanca Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International
LOCATION: 1104 South Wabash Ave
ABOUT
“…’self-reflection’ embodies moments of unity with oneself, where meditation and inspiration have a place… Here the self finds its way to creativity, love, and freedom.” -- Tima (Fatima Ezzahra Khilad)
This project was produced in conjunction with Casablanca Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, in collaboration with Francis W. Parker School where Tima was in residence in October 2022.
Chicago Sister Cities International is an initiative of World Business Chicago, a public-private, nonprofit partnership that drives inclusive economic growth and job creation, supports business, and promotes Chicago as a leading global city.
From Bloom to Doom
NOT VISIBLE
TITLE: From Bloom to Doom
ARTIST: Collin van der Sluijs
PROJECT: Big Walls 2016
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
Chi Boy
NOT VISIBLE
TITLE: Chi Boy
ARTIST: Hebru Brantley
LOCATION: 1132 S. Wabash Ave. (South Wall)
ABOUT THIS PROJECT:
Hebru Brantley’s “Chi Boy” mural was the first of several to join the Wabash Arts Corridor in the summer of 2015 as part of a partnership with Chicago Loop Alliance and Vertical Gallery.
Don't Fret
ARTIST: Don't Fret
PROJECT: Big Walls 2016
LOCATION: 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
X Marks the Milky Way
TITLE: X Marks the Milky Way
ARTIST: Renee Robbins
PROJECT: Big Walls 2016
LOCATION: 1130 S Michigan
ABOUT 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
1000 Wall
TITLE: 1000 Wall
ARTIST: Mad C
LOCATION: 1326 S. Michigan
ARTIST 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 Leon
ABOUT THIS PROJECT:
Lead Curator/Producer: Neysa Page-Lieberman, NPL Projects
Site and Production Manager: Abie Vasquez, AB Productions, with assistance from Adam Angotti and Jairo Buitron
Assistant Artist: Hans Schmitter aka HAKS 180
Photography: Marco Prosch with assistance from Jayson de Leon
Projection Specialist: Nathan Destro
This project was generously commissioned by Murphy Development Group for The Paragon Chicago. THANK YOU.
Disparate Bodies in Space
NOT VISIBLE
TITLE: Disparate Bodies in Space
ARTIST: Shelby Gahm
PROJECT: Street Level 2017
LOCATION: 1306 Michigan Ave
ARTIST 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 Chicago
Production Assistants: Ashley King and Lauren van Reken
The Seeds We Plant Today Determine Our Growth For Tomorrow
TITLE: The Seeds We Plant Today Determine Our Growth For Tomorrow
ARTIST: Sam Kirk
PROJECT: Street Level 2017
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 2017
ABOUT THIS PROJECT:
Lead Curator: Meg Duguid
Co-Producers: Meg Duguid and Neysa Page-Lieberman
Site and Production Managers: Jenni Button and Abie Vasquez
Project Manager: Meg Duguid
Project Assistant: Sydney Pacha
Sponsorship Leads: Jenni Button and Meg Duguid
Assistant Artists: Jennifer Cunningham and Eva Cancino
DYNAM
ARTIST: DYNAM
PROJECT: Sister Cities
LOCATION: 1306 S. Michigan
ARTIST 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
Wild Life
TITLE: Wild Life
ARTIST: Eelco “IAMEELCO” Van den Berg
PROJECT: Street Level 2017
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 2017
ABOUT THIS PROJECT:
Lead Curator: Sara Dulkin
Co-Producers: Sara Dulkin and Neysa Page-Lieberman
Site and Production Managers: Sara Dulkin and Abie Vasquez
Sponsorship Lead: Jenni Button
Project Manager: Sydney Pacha
China Truborn
TITLE: China Truborn
ARTIST: Louise "Ouizi" Chen
PROJECT: Street Level 2017
LOCATION: 1312 S. Michigan
PHOTO CREDIT: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2017
ABOUT THIS PROJECT:
Lead Curator: Sara Dulkin
Co-Producers: Sara Dulkin and Neysa Page-Lieberman
Site and Production Managers: Sara Dulkin and Abie Vasquez
Sponsorship Lead: Jenni Button
Project Assistant: Sydney Pacha
Assistant Artist: Paul Johnson
Fry
NOT VISIBLE
TITLE: Fry
ARTIST: Czr Prz
LOCATION: 1415 S. Wabash
ABOUT THIS PROJECT
CZR PRZ is a Chicago native with over 20 years of experience as a street artist, illustrator, painter, designer and installation/production artist.
While working on this project CZR said, “Public art has the potential to both inspire as well as to develop an emotional connection to the audiences’ surroundings” – as quoted in Sandra Steinbrecher’s Wabash Arts Corridor / Big Walls / 2016
I Am Love
TITLE: I Am Love
ARTIST: Shinique Smith
PROJECT: Street Level 2017
LOCATION: 1600 S. State
PHOTO CREDIT: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2017
ABOUT THIS PROJECT:
Lead Curator/Producer: Neysa Page-Lieberman
Site and Production Manager: Abie Vasquez
Sponsorship Lead: Jenni Button
Assistant Producer: Sara Dulkin
Assistant Artists: Ryan “Stuk One” Lape, Terrence “Dredske” Byas, JJ McLuckie.
The Hare, The Hay, and the Foxes
TITLE: The Hare, The Hay, and the Foxes
ARTIST: Caitlyn Doran
PROJECT: WABASH ARTS CORRI-DOORS
LOCATION: 1600 S State St (loading dock)
ARTIST STATEMENT
My paintings put the ordinary on full display, and garnish it with the improbable, sometimes impossible. People and props from my everyday comprise the content, alongside surreal twists and turns, making the final products skewed, cinematic versions of a personal reality. In this instance, I am playing off of my pet rabbits and the foxes they never met. Through these paintings, I intend for the viewer to reconsider the value of what's commonplace in their lives and encourage them to daydream with those elements.
ABOUT THIS PROJECT
This project was generously commissioned by Facilities & Operations at Columbia College Chicago.
The Wabash Arts Corri-Doors project was founded by Yvvi Atanassov ’20
