The Obama Presidential Center is set to indwell a 83-foot-tall by 25-foot-wide painted glass mural by acclaimed artist Julie Mehretu. Titled “Uprising of the Sun," the monumental installation draws inspiration from President Obama’s reflections during the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches, a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
Mehretu’s work is infamous for its ability to intertwine personal and collective histories through abstraction. Her approach for this installation involves blending imagery from notable Black artists, including Robert S. Duncanson, Jacob Lawrence, and Afwerk Tekele, creating a visual dialogue between the past and present. The mural will be prominently displayed on the north side of the Museum Building, symbolizing the deep connections between Chicago's rich history and its evolving identity.
Reflecting on her artistic journey, Mehretu, who immigrated to the United States from Ethiopia during her childhood, shares how her personal experiences have shaped her work. She emphasises the importance of acknowledging history to inspire future generations, stating, “The city’s story is incomplete without acknowledging its history, which continues to shape its landscape and identity.”
“The idea with this was to create a window that fits into the idea of thinking through layers, place, and histories,” Mehretu explained. “Reflecting on the 50th anniversary of the crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge, I'm reminded of the powerful photograph from that day and the celebration it sparked in the news. Knowing that moment will be etched into the wall of this new monument on the South Side of Chicago, I'm struck by how the city's identity has been shaped by the Great Migration and the influx of diverse cultures.”
The installation aims not only to honour historical events but also to serve as an emblem of the virtues of hope and creativity at the Obama Presidential Center, which is envisioned as a living institution dedicated to cultivating future leaders.
As the centre prepares for its grand opening in 2026, “Uprising of the Sun” is expected to become an iconic display, inviting visitors to engage with the powerful narratives that define both Chicago and the broader American experience.
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