Julie Mehretu (b. 1970, Ethiopia) is again pushing artistic boundaries. She will create a monumental glass installation for the Obama Presidential Center. Titled “Uprising of the Sun,” this 25-foot-wide artwork will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches. Inspired by President Obama’s speech at the anniversary, Mehretu’s piece draws directly from his powerful words. Through this approach, the artwork will juxtapose the past with the present, creating a dynamic dialogue across different planes.
The meticulously-crafted window will span approximately 83-feet-high by 25-feet-wide. Discussing her 25-foot-wide glass installation for the Center, Mehretu explained her vision:
“The idea with this was to create a window that fits into the idea of thinking through layers, place, and histories. Reflecting on the 50th anniversary of the Edmund Pettus Bridge crossing, I recall the powerful photograph from that day and the celebration it ignited in the news. Knowing that this moment will be etched into the wall of the new monument on Chicago’s South Side, I see how the city’s identity has been shaped by the Great Migration and the influx of diverse cultures. Moreover, this monumental building and its park, with its view of both the painting’s exterior and the historic landscape, symbolize the deep connection between Chicago’s past and present. The city’s story is incomplete without acknowledging its history, which continues to shape its landscape and identity.”
Mehretu’s artistic journey began in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She is born to an Ethiopian father and a Jewish American mother. Her family lived through the Mengistu Upheaval and the Red Terror in Ethiopia times marked by turmoil and Marxist influences—before relocating to the United States. This move marked a significant shift in her art. Reflecting on her childhood, Mehretu shared in an interview.
“I vividly remember being especially proud of making paper ties as a child. My father often wore ties, and I loved them. I used to make these elaborate paper ties that I would pin on my shirt and proudly show off.”
With accolades such as a Mac Arthur Fellowship and the creation of a BMW Art Car, along with numerous other achievements, Mehretu has firmly established herself as a trailblazer in contemporary art. Her upcoming installation, “Uprising of the Sun,” is not just a sculpture; it’s a powerful statement. This glass installation stands as a tribute to civil rights and justice. Mehretu’s art continues to challenge, provoke, and inspire, urging us all to engage with the world in new ways.
