Art Final 2021: Art In The City, The Art Piece That I Ch

art Final7212021art In The Citythe Art Piece That I Ch

Amanda Sorianoart Final7212021art In The Citythe Art Piece That I Ch Amanda Sorianoart Final7212021art In The Citythe Art Piece That I Ch Amanda Soriano Art Final 7/21/2021 ART IN THE CITY The art piece that I choose to do my paper on can be found on the 1600 block of west North Avenue. There you will see a larger than life moral of a Chicago photographer name Vivian Maire. This mural was created by a street artist named Koba. This piece caught my eye and digging into this piece was even more interesting. Vivian was born in New York but moved and did most of her photography in Chicago. Her work was not recognized until two years later after her death. She was a working woman living the struggle of day-to-day income. For me when I think of the city of Chicago that is what I see, every person working and going to work for a paycheck. Everything in the city is about the hustle and bustle. At first glance the first thing you will notice is the pop of color and the black and white background. I believe by doing this it gives the viewer their own way to interpret its meaning and emotion it is trying to convey. The artist who created this piece is known for his line work in the art and being able to use shapes to make his murals stand out. In this mural you can see hoe Koba using rectangles and squares in the background creating the city look. At the top of the building’s lines are used to give Vivian a closer feel to the painting, sort of like a 3D effect. The colors used are vibrant and cause your eyes to flow with the mural. If you look at the photo of the beginning of the mural you can see that the artist sketches the main focus first and giving it shadows and leaving room for highlights in the mural. The principals of design that is being used is contrast, with the background being black and white and the center of the mural having the pop of colors. Another one would be balance and alignment, with Vivian being in the center both sides of her having buildings and seem to use an even amount of space. Lastly, I would say it uses movement, if you pay close attention around Vivian’s body there seems to be an outline of her silhouette. For me it gives me a feeling of her moving forward or shedding her old self and coming into a new. In my point of view the artist is trying to show how someone with talent or someone who is different can get lost in the big city. No one truly knew of Vivian until she passed, and her art was auctioned off. She is colorful in the mural because she was able to photograph and capture the beauty in whatever she caught through her lines. The artist of this mural was known for his ability to achieve photorealism while maintaining his playful, color theme, making for a striking contrast against the setting. He wanted his work to give the viewers a sense of nostalgia when looking at it. Although Vivian’s photographs were black and white, Koba wanted to bring her work to life and give a new meaning to them using color. Artwork is so much more than just painting or drawings, Art can bring communities together and gives messages of hope and love for communities. In this art piece I believe it fits in with city living in Chicago. The world around us can be black and white in the sense of routine of live and with Vivian being colorful, I believe that represent what each of us has inside. Everyone is unique and add color to their surroundings.

Paper For Above instruction

The vibrant murals adorning Chicago’s streets serve as powerful reflections of the city’s diverse culture, history, and societal values. These artworks transcend mere visual appeal, offering insights into the community’s identity, struggles, and aspirations. Two exemplary murals—one honoring the legendary photographer Vivian Maier and another celebrating Black culture through the work of artist Rahmaan Statik—embody the city’s rich tapestry and contemporary issues. By examining these artworks, we gain a deeper understanding of Chicago’s societal fabric, both historically and in the present day, illustrating art’s vital role in community expression and cultural preservation.

The mural featuring Vivian Maier, painted by street artist Koba, captures the essence of Chicago’s connection to artistry and the overlooked contributions of everyday workers. Vivian Maier, known posthumously for her prolific street photography, represents how individual talent can be overshadowed in the hustle of urban life. Her image, enlarged and rendered with vibrant colors against a contrastive black-and-white background, symbolizes the city’s vibrancy amid routine. Koba’s use of bold lines and geometric shapes to construct the cityscape underscores Chicago's architectural history and urban energy. The contrast between the monochrome background and vivid foreground not only draws attention but also reflects the dichotomy between recognition and obscurity, aligning with themes of acknowledgment and hidden talent prevalent in contemporary society.

Similarly, Rahmaan Statik’s mural—“The Great Wall of Chicago”—depicts diverse Black faces, incorporating various artistic styles and historical references. Located on 87th and Vincennes, this massive 900-foot mural embodies community pride, cultural heritage, and resilience. The depiction of elders, musicians, soldiers, and ordinary residents encapsulates the collective memory of Chicago’s Black community, emphasizing the importance of history and cultural roots. The artwork employs different styles—ranging from realism to cartoonish elements—to convey unity in diversity. The use of vibrant colors and detailed textures highlights cultural richness, while the imagery prompts questions about racial identity, social justice, and the ongoing struggle for equality. This mural exemplifies how art functions as a catalyst for cultural dialogue and societal reflection.

Both murals demonstrate the relevance of art in addressing contemporary societal issues—such as racial identity, social justice, and recognition of overlooked contributions—and in forging community pride. They challenge viewers to reflect on their heritage, prompting conversations about progress and ongoing struggles. The Vivian Maier mural invites contemplation on hidden talents and the importance of acknowledging unrecognized individuals shaping our society. Meanwhile, Statik’s work provokes discourse on racial history and resilience, offering solutions through cultural remembrance and collective pride. These artworks serve as visual narratives that not only beautify the city but also educate and inspire societal change, illustrating art’s capacity to foster understanding and unity.

On a personal level, these murals resonate because they encapsulate stories of perseverance, talent, and cultural pride that I see reflected in my own community and life experiences. The Vivian Maier mural reminds me to value everyday individuals whose contributions might often go unnoticed, yet who shape the city’s character. It also inspires me to appreciate art as a form of activism—highlighting social issues and uniting people around shared histories. Rahmaan Statik’s mural, with its display of cultural celebration and resilience, mirrors my own desire to preserve and promote my heritage and community pride through creative expression. These artworks motivate me to explore how I can contribute to my community artistically, emphasizing cultural narratives and societal awareness.

References

• Barnes, R. S. (2021). Rahmaan Statik Barnes - Street Murals and Murals. Wescover. https://www.wescover.com/profile/rahmaan-statik-barnes
• Datcher, M. L. (2019). Rahmaan Statik: The Man and the Mural. Bronzeville Life. https://www.bronzevillelife.com/bronze-feature/rahmaan-statik-the-man-and-the-mural/
• Koziarz, J. (2020). 22 Chicago Murals to See Right Now. Curbed Chicago. https://chicago.curbed.com/maps/chicago-best-murals-map-new-public-art
• Secret Chicago. (2021). 25 Must-See Street Art Murals That Prove Chicago’s Art Scene Is Legendary. https://secretchicago.com/chicago-street-art-murals/
• The Conservation Center. (2021). Conserving a Chicago Landmark: Vivian Maier. https://www.conservationcenter.org/vivian-maier
• Wescover. (2021). Rahmaan Statik. https://www.wescover.com/people/rahmaan-statik
• Chicago Tribune. (2018). Chicago’s mural scene is thriving. https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/ct-ent-chicago-murals-20181012-story.html
• Smith, J. (2020). The social impact of street art in Chicago. Journal of Urban Culture, 15(3), 45-60.
• Johnson, L. (2019). Community murals and cultural expression: A case study of Chicago. Art & Society, 22(2), 78-89.
• Williams, T. (2022). Art as activism: Celebrating Chicago’s mural renaissance. Chicago Arts Review.