Client: Temple University

Overview

Revolutionary Philadelphia is a collaborative artwork produced through a process of research and discussion. Over five sessions, nine students explored local figures and groups who have made revolutionary contributions to civil rights, criminal justice, racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, health, arts and culture, and more. Through a series of presentations, analysis, and hands-on creative work, participants offered their contributions and made a section of the composition that represents their voice. Each section was combined to form a final design, which was then painted into a mural that is currently installed on public view on Temple University’s main campus at the intersection of 11th Street and Berks Street.

Revolutionary Philadelphia, 2021
Acrylic on alumalite panels
120” x 120”

UCC Contributors: Rubee Carter, Abdullah Conway, Malaysia Oliver Gass, Zenaya Mason, Jess Munz, Ishmael Kesselly, Mark Reid, Samir Ross, Vashti Valentine
Lead Artist: Mat Tomezsko
UCC facilitators: Adesh Dasani, Liyanni Smith

Goals

The main goal for this project was to produce artwork that demonstrated the integration of various cultural elements such as community members, students, institution officials, and project stakeholders into one cohesive mural. The goal was to make art that does not center one person, but instead reflects a wide range of voices and contains complex points of view.