Renewal and Rebirth

  • The bright colors, movement, and symbolism are empowering and rich with possibility.
  • Students brainstormed metaphors that embodied their personal and community experiences, hopes, and dreams.
  • After group brainstorming, each artist explored their personal experiences to deepen the collaboration process.
  • Nurturing water clears the way for a future filled with birth and growth, and supported by the power of knowledge born from an open book.
  • This all-seeing eye knows the past and is struck by the lightening bolt of new knowledge and tomorrow’s possibilities.
  • Dandelion seeds float like new ideas, hopes, and dreams, onward through the brownstones behind them.

Project Description

“Renewal and Rebirth” was made by and for the students of East Brooklyn Community High School. The rich symbolism embodies the hopes the artists have for themselves and for their peers. First, students came together and reflected on the challenges and dreams shared by their community. They wanted to offer solidarity around issues relevant to their community, such as pressures in their environment and stereotyping. However, they also wanted to celebrate their capacity to generate knowledge, power, and justice. The students used their artistic voice to channel their desires to depict a future filled with transformative power. Their mural shows the school mascot, the Eagle, born from the city background, ignited by a lightning bolt of knowledge, and carrying the words “Inspiration” and “Opportunity.” Each aspect of the mural calls for change, rebirth, and renewal of the old ways of thinking, seeing, and doing. The mural is filled with hope and action, and demonstrates that creative articulation brings us closer to fulfilling our dreams.

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Project Info

Location: 9517 Kings Highway Brooklyn, NY 11212

Fun Facts

Question about the Mural
The American Bald Eagle is the East Brooklyn HS mascot, and also a national symbol of the U.S. These students have given new life/renewed this symbol to represent them more personally. How are these two uses of the Eagle symbol similar or different?
Suggested Activity
This mural combines elements of the present environment and the qualities needed to overcome present challenges and to manifest the goals. What are your goals, challenges, and tools you use for personal transformation?
Legend Symbol
The Phoenix. The Eagle in this piece purposefully references the Legend of the Phoenix. In Greek mythology the phoenix is forever born again out of the ashes of its predecessor and therefore symbolizes rebirth and renewal.