The Lazarus Project Murals (2024)
In partnership with Lawndale Christian Development Corporation, Art West Chicago led the development of a public art installation at the historic Lazarus Building in North Lawndale, creating an outdoor exhibition that celebrates Chicago's rich cultural history.
I am one of four artists who worked on the project, which was designed to honor Chicago's musical and cultural heritage. The installation invites the Lawndale community to experience an accessible art space that can host programs and cultural tours, creating a vibrant, sharedcultural destination on the West Side.
My favorite part of this project is the opportunity for community exchange. Being born and raised in North Lawndale into a family that has lived here for over 70 years, it feels very full-circle to be able to create artworks to display on an apartment building in this community, not unlike the ones my parents and grandparents lived in when they were young here. Additionally, there are so many powerful figures in Chicago music history, its present, and its future.
DJ Lady D and Duane Powell are award-winning DJs whose work spans decades, and they still are doing great work to uplift Chicago communities. Because North Lawndale has a lot of historical presence, I, as a young North Lawndale resident, wanted to be sure to include younger artists in my portraits. Jean Deaux, for instance, is a hip-hop/R&B artist from North Lawndale with a beautifully unique sound, and is making inspiring moves for Chicago youth through The John Walt Foundation. Also recognized is Chief Keef, who is engaging with tech and gaming in ways that have been healing and inspiring for his own music career and for fans across the world.
On the portraits of these younger artists, I included QR codes that link to examples of their endeavors for people to explore. Being able to link the past, historical presence of North Lawndale with the present and future in these ways was incredibly important to me, and it was an honor to do so in the place I call home!
