The 30-foot-wide murals honor the historic Greenwood neighborhood’s resilience following the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, celebrate its vibrant history, and inspire progress toward a united, equitable community. Historical photographs that celebrate life in the Greenwood community are collaged across 60 digitally printed CeramicSteel panels and toned with pleasing colors: fresh greens, rich purples and violets, calming blue shades and vivid orange hues.
Partner RE:site Studios
Completion Date 2024
Area 1512 ft2
Client Oklahoma Arts Council
The collages are tied together with gold veins, reflective of the ancient Japanese kintsugi technique where broken pottery is joined back together and highlighted with gold pigment, symbolizing beauty in what was once broken and the resilience of becoming whole again.
The colorful artwork illuminates otherwise generic, gray concrete transportation corridor, transforming it into a dazzling atmosphere that can be viewed by foot or car, each mode offering a different experience of color. When viewed at a distance, the joined hands that inspired the title stand out become visually prominent, solidifying the artwork’s intent. The murals serve as a beacon of pride, healing, and hope for Tulsa, engaging the community in reflection and conversation about its past and future
Polyvision’s CeramicSteel panels were chosen for their durability, resistance to weather, and colorfast printing technology, ensuring the murals will inspire current and future generations. The panels were designed to be lightweight yet sturdy for easy installation on uneven surfaces, framed in custom stainless steel. The additional qualities of graffiti- and bacteria-resistance are helpful in maintaining the surface in a busy transportation corridor.
As a result of collaboration, innovative materials, and thoughtful design, the project honors history while projecting a vision of unity and progress. The project highlights the power of public art to educate, inspire, and create a sense of belonging, so important in our modern world.
