Winning

Winning by artist Cliff Eubanks is an interior mural located in the gymnasium at Overbrook High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Artist statement:

The mural is made up of twelve human figures that depict twelve expressions of winning athletic events. Movements progress from the left and right borders toward the center where the 2 main entry doors are located. From left and right, rhythms of alternating active and inactive images help propel the composition. Each door has a different game ball painted on it: football, baseball, volleyball. Only the basketball does not designate an actual door. However, its placement helps divide the overall space evenly. The extreme left figure leans back, inviting the viewer into the space / school with intensive eye contact. The color palette is basically cool on the ends and moves to warmer tones in the middle. On several occasions, visitors for a game in the gym asked how to get into the gym. I told them, “Through the mural – the baseball.” They laughed and said, “Oh, right.” They were surprised to see the mural open.

The mural was created as part of a five-year mural-making partnership between The School District of Philadelphia and the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program that ran from 2004-2009.