New Mural coming to the Erb Memorial Union, University of Oregon!
Mural Creation: September, 4th - September,`14th
Mural Installation: September, 15th
Last year, the Erb Memorial Union Art Committee had the idea to commission an art installation in an effort to create a more welcoming and inclusive space for all UO students. Teaming up with the EMU who provided the funding, and the EMU staff to coordinate logistics, the project was born! After interviewing potential artists, Sam Kirk was selected to design and execute this new mural.
Sam Kirk is a Chicago based, award winning Multidisciplinary Artist who explores culture and identity politics through her work, with 15 years of experience developing 2D and 3D fine art works as well as fabricated and experiential spaces. She has been recognized for her public art career, as she intentionally uses the public space to spark dialogue around topics of equality and visibility for women, communities of color, and the LGBTQIA community. Her public art portfolio includes 61 permanent murals and 199 temporary large scale installations, globally. Click around this website to learn more about the artist!
As a public artist, an important catalyst to Sam Kirk’s process is the connections formed within the community. When developing the concept for this project, she hosted workshops with students and staff members at various stages of the design. Sam integrated those conversations and stories into her design, while also highlighting individuals through figurative representations. More about the design process can be found below.
A select number of student workers were given an opportunity to work with Sam Kirk and team, and will be painting alongside them starting on September 4th, through September 14th. The final artwork will become part of the University’s Fine Art Collection, therefore it is not being painted direct to surface, and instead is painted on 16 MDF boards arranged to fit together like a giant puzzle to create a 18 ft high by 16.5 ft wide mural (approximately). The mural will be installed at the Northwest entrance of the EMU between the double doors. Installation is scheduled for September 15th, and an unveiling date will be scheduled for a later date.
To follow along with the murals progress, bookmark this page and check back for updates!
Mural Design
ARTIST STATEMENT
In determining where to begin on this concept, my mind was divided because the conversations I had about the experiences shared at U of O were drastically different. While the current status of the EMU is a result of student movements and progress, there is a cycle that is repeating itself. Over the decades, the EMU has developed into a space where many feel safe and at home even, however, for many students it is the only safe space on campus.
I asked myself what is the similarity in the feedback? My challenge is to focus on connection but there is also so much division. While gathering research about U of O, I came across the Mothers Day PowWow which inspired me to truly go back to the beginning. A practice, I believe in, before we honor what is in the present, we should honor what came before us. I chose to center the mural with a Powwow dancer and have included a few reasons why below. I didn’t have a chance to speak with any students with NASU and I’d like their thoughts on this moving forward.
An indigenous woman, adorns the central focus of the mural. While I am aiming to share a narrative about the past and present, I felt the mural needed to focus on re-centering.
exemplifies dignity, grace, and modesty
pays tribute to the Kalapuya tribe, and the land that the EMU is built on
Powwows are a celebration of survival, represent the cycle of life, taking up space and living in the moment (excerpts from quotes by Jason Yonker, UO Asst VP and Lofanitani Aiseq Ball NASU co director)
From the beginning, the EMU has been a space where students could speak their mind and share their voice with the campus. This lead to many of the programs available today. Several are represented throughout the mural in direct and indirect forms: Moss Street Children’s Center, Club Sports, Mills International Center, Craft Center, KWVA Radio, etc Additionally, I have included several moments that have occurred on campus that has shaped changes over the years including protest and marches.
Developing THE CONCEPT
Black and White Draft
PHASE ONE
Notes from first workshop:
Free speech, a space where people gather to give voice
Radical organizing - a disruptive space.
Predominantly white now
Sadness and refuge
Institutionalized racism is prevalent
The University is going backwards right now - speaking to privatization, union busting, and increased police presence.
The campus did not always allow BIPOC students, and there is a pattern of colonialism being celebrated within the larger university with buildings named after clan members etc.
You never know what you will see. There is always a space for you
It’s a place for everyone - the building offers a place to study, eat, play games and connect with the gaming community etc.
Considered a safe space on campus, and basically houses all of the safe spaces.
FEEDBACK AND REVISIONS
Feedback Notes from second workshop:
“Wish the dancing indigenous women was more integrated and same sized with some of the rest of the figures as a representation of one of many cultural groups that the EMU supports. Currently feels like everything else is sort of under her “wings” in a way”
“Love the general theme and idea. I enjoy the diversity of students represented, and that there are students with guitars, mics, clay pots, etc Would love to see more of the programs represented.”
“ love incorporating a protest sign to highlight student activism and popular student opinions - leave out statements about police, focus on human rights/social movements with more unified stances”
“ I like the diversity throughout the piece as well as the effort to showcase the different communities on campus.”
“I like that different items from programs are woven into the background of the many faces of EMU.”
“I don't know what colors will be used in the background but adding a nature theme/ inspired background might also help to capture the environment surrounding the university community.”
The concept is what we wanted in that space and when presented, some didn’t appreciate it for what it is: ART; instead they inserted their own disposition to dislike certain elements.”
“As a staff person, I was saddened to see the top line conversation 2 notes. I wouldn’t want any student to feel that way.“
“I'm looking at the mock-up and feeling like it gives of a "rainbows and butterflies" version of multiculturalism and feels a bit problematic. I think if anything the mural should show the toppling of the pioneer statue that happened specifically on the UO campus.”
“I love your concept of past coloration in sepia moving into brilliant current colors- as Indigenous populations are often relegated to the past by Colonizer historic interpretations, it will be powerful to place the dancer solidly in the present day.”
*Not all notes that were collected are able to be reflected above. All feedback will remain anonymous and was collected through both a virtual workshop where the artist presented the initial concept, as well as though a Google Form.
THANK YOU!
BIG shout out to incredible EMU Staff who has put forth such an incredible effort to coordinate, manage, and organize this project with us. We have all felt so welcomed here and have been amazed at how easy going and accommodating the entire staff has been. And lastly, big thank you to the Craft Center for providing access and assistance in the wood working shop so that we could execute the shape we wanted!
Mural Fabrication
Sam Kirk Studio began preparing the boards on August 31st. All sixteen of the 8ft by 4ft MDF boards were treated with a two part priming process on front and back to ensure the artworks longevity by keeping moisture out. Then the team laid the boards out and applied the design so they could cut the boards to the desired shape with help from the EMU Craft Center downstairs.
With the help of EMU students, Sam Kirk Studio spent 8 days painting each board and slowly building the mural in preparation for installation. The artwork consists of 45 custom colors, all pre mixed in Chicago before arriving to Oregon.
Our final 2 days were reserved for installation. Working with the EMU facilities team and local union contractors, the mural was installed with final measurements of 21ft wide x 25ft high.
