Shades of Enchantment

Shades of Enchantment by visiting artist Isabella Akhtarshenas is located at the Franklin S. Edmonds School in the Stenton neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Designed in collaboration with students at Edmonds and Mural Arts’ Teaching Artists, the mural is based on 2024’s Art Education theme of ‘Fairy Tales and Folklore’, as well as ‘Black is Beautiful’.

Akhtarshenas is a versatile graphic designer and multidisciplinary artist. Her work strategically uses color and shape to evoke whimsical and lively forms. As an avid houseplant collector, she’s inspired largely by the beauty of nature and interested in design for environmental sustainability. A lot of her work focuses on the interactions between humans and nature in a hopeful fantasy where they can exist in symbiosis. Akhtarshenas describes the project in an artist statement:

“On an exterior wall at Edmonds Elementary School, a vibrant and whimsical mural (captivates) the attention of the neighborhood. Across the length of the 63′ wall, it bursts with color and life, inviting viewers into a world of imagination and empowerment by combining the themes of fairy tales and folklore with Black is beautiful.

“At the focal point, the themes are brought to life with a majestic castle and a woman with an afro raising the Black Power fist. Directly above them flies the Edmonds mascot, a large blue falcon, carrying students of all complexions on its outstretched wings. On either side of the doors to the building, balanced scenes from beloved fairy tales and folklore come to life. In one corner, a leprechaun slides down a rainbow to a pot of gold, while in another, a mermaid with long locs is combing another one’s hair. The mural also features kitsune the nine-tailed fox, a yeti, fairies, a frog sitting on an enchanted mushroom, and a witch flying on a broom with her black cat.

“Interwoven with these classic tales are elements celebrating the beauty of Black culture and heritage. Figures with various complexions and hairstyles are depicted in roles both magical and ordinary, showcasing the diversity, strength and pride within the community. Amidst the fairy tale scenes and representations of Black beauty, fantastical creatures roam
freely. A person gracefully rides a unicorn, while another is on the back of a dragon. There are also representations of tradition in storytelling and folklore, such as an open book, people conversing beside a fire, and the cycle of passing stories down to younger generations. While
stars twinkle throughout the mural, flowers and vines wind their way around other motifs, adding a touch of whimsy and enchantment to the overall composition. It serves as a beacon of creativity and inspiration, reminding all who see it of the power of imagination and the beauty of
diversity.”