julie mehretu installs colossal painted glass window at obama presidential center in chicago

A new glass artwork for Obama Presidential Center Museum

Ethiopian-American artist and activist Julie Mehretu has created a massive painted glass installation for the facade of the Obama Presidential Center Museum in Chicago. Titled Uprising of the Sun, the artwork spans 25 meters (83 feet) high and 7 meters (25 feet) wide. It consists of 35 colorful abstract glass panels and is now part of the Center’s public art display, aiming to inspire visitors and the local South Side community. Drawing from President Obama’s remarks on the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches, the piece reflects on his historical legacy and is expected to draw people to the Center.

Julie Mehretu’s Uprising of the Sun Reflects Obama’s Legacy

Julie Mehretu (find more here), the daughter of an American mother and an Ethiopian father, believes that art’s purpose is to provoke thought, inspire reflection, and express the contemporary experiences of individuals and society as a whole. Through her paintings, drawings, and prints, she offers a vibrant, abstract portrayal of social behavior and the emotional landscapes of spaces. In her recent work, Mehretu has incorporated photographic images from broadcast media as a foundation for exploring social themes in her art. For the Obama Presidential Center, Mehretu collaborated with Franz Mayer Studio (find more here) to create her first glass installation, Uprising of the Sun. This monumental piece was crafted using a variety of techniques, including hand painting, freehand airbrushing, ceramic color melting, and tape masking.

‘I wanted to honor Chicago’s history and President Obama’s legacy by telling a story about how change happens,’ shares Julie Mehretu. ‘This work is layered with history, and I’m eager to see how people will connect with it – whether you’re a grandparent from the South Side of Chicago or a kid from Addis Ababa. I hope it serves as an invitation to every visitor that they are welcome to be a part of the Center’s mission to make an impact and work towards a better future.’

project info: 

name: Uprising of the Sun
artist: Julie Mehretu | @juliemehretu in collaboration with Franz Mayer Studio 
location: Obama Presidential Center Museum