Subterranean Permutation

Subterranean Permutation by artist Andréa Grasso is a translucent cut vinyl window installation installed at Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Color Me Back workshop space in SEPTA’s Suburban Station in Center City, Philadelphia. This design was created to reflect regeneration and rebirth. It references an imaginary industrial structure that is overgrown and coalescing into a new, wild, living form. The greens and reds in the design are reminiscent of both plant life and the flames of a phoenix. The work is inspired by the Color Me Back program, its participants and their enduring nature.

Color Me Back is an innovative program that combines participatory art-making and access to social services in a unique model offering individuals who are experiencing economic insecurity an opportunity to earn wages. Participants have the opportunity to connect, contribute, and engage with peer specialists who can link them with support services, including social and/or behavioral health services and potential opportunities for longer-term employment while working in the program.

The Color Me Back program was designed in partnership with the Scattergood Foundation, SEPTA, and Mental Health Partnerships. The initiative is managed by Mural Arts’ Porch Light department in collaboration with the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services. Funding has been provided by the City of Philadelphia, the Barra Foundation, the Sheller Family Foundation, the Legacy Foundation, the Union Benevolent Association, and many others.