Kuba Kingdom

Danny Simmons is an abstract-expressionist painter and co-founder of the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, which provides under-served youth with contemporary art education, develops and supports artists, curators, and new audiences. The mural Kuba Kingdom is across the street from Rush Arts Gallery, a community-driven art space focused on neighborhood revitalization. It provides arts-based opportunities for local youth as well as local artists and curators.

The Kuba were former members of an African kingdom in the interior of modern-day Democratic Republic of the Congo. There the Kingdom flourished between the 17th & 19th centuries. Nineteen ethnic groups are included in the kingdom, which still exists today.

The Kuba are known for their raffia-embroidered textiles, fiber and beaded hats, carved palm wine cups and cosmetic boxes. They are best known for monumental helmet masks that feature exquisite geometric patterns, fabrics, seeds, beads, and shells, which are designs reflected within the mural.