Magnolia Peace
The artist chose to represent the magnolia flower as a symbol of grace, integrity, and elegance. it provides a peaceful counterpoint to the busy energy of the underpass and softens the concrete and steel of the city. The mural incorporates glass bead accents into the painted surface.
Artist statement:
“The flower is meant to give a moment of pause to the passersby. When I first came to the site I was taken by the strong energy and movement and noise and giant concrete and steel structures. I wanted to create something that effectively softened the harshness of the space and gave a moment of peace . The magnolia flower is symbolic of grace and integrity and elegance. I felt that it would create a good counterpoint to the energies that exist there in that space under the bridge especially In these turbulent times. The center of the flower I’d accented with tiny reflective glass beads that will pick up the headlights of cars as they pass in the night. I imagined a giant tree that gives shelter and beauty in this tunnel of concrete and steel, in a way to soften the edges of the city. In the backyard of our house in northern liberties is a giant magnolia tree that has inspired me for years, and you can see the same next to all of the historic houses in old city, so it is a nod towards the nature that gives warmth to the architecture of our great city.”
Location Note: Mural is located on Race Street in the I-95 underpass, just west of Columbus Boulevard
