OPEN SPACE

……………………………………………………………"That bottle keeps its blink on its side red from horizon." Clark Coolidge………………………………..

[SFMOMA has commissioned renowned artist Kerry James Marshall to create two murals for the museum's Haas Atrium. For over 30 years, Marshall has explored stories of racial identity, the Civil Rights movement, and unsung histories in his work. In response to Marshall's works, fifteen teens from three Oakland high schools are designing and producing a collaborative mural, in Town Park at DeFremery Park, focusing on the themes of silenced histories and storytelling. We’re blogging about it here on Saturdays.]

Last week the teens finished up the color composite of the mural design and began to plot out how the mural will be drawn.  The composite was divided into a grid of equal squares to be transferred to the six 4′ × 8′ mural panels.  The panels were divided into grids as well, and the teens began drawing on the panels. Dalena described her experience:

“I had a lot of fun trying to figure out the colors that would mix together and coloring in my own drawing. As soon as we got over there, everyone knew what to do and everyone was working as a team to make the mural. As much as we were working, we were also playing at the same time.”

Thanks to Kimani for his awesome photos and to Dalena for her positive comments.  Today the teens will begin painting the panels, rain or shine.  But we’re hoping for a sunny day…

Check out some more photos of the project here.