The first of six permanent and moveable mural canvases at Danbury Fair mall will be revealed Thursday, July 21, with a reception at 6 p.m. for artist Marcus Escribano.
To illustrate the “Re-emergence and Awakening” theme of the mural, Escribano incorporated symbols of his Caribbean and African heritage to represent the sun and a sense of rising. He also used the blue crescent, a symbol of faithfulness that is critical during the reawakening process.
Reveals and receptions for the next five artists will be held most Thursdays through early September near the murals, which are on view near the Apple Store wing on the mall’s second level.
The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut collaborated with Art in Common of Ridgefield to curate the series and showcase emerging and aspiring artists. The canvases are constructed to easily move and enhance the permanent mural installation planned for the Apple wing. The focus of the movable murals is social sustainability and community building. This project is an extension of the large mural installation coming this fall at Danbury Fair.
In addition to Escribano, the artists include:
Jannelle Chandler
“As a society we are re-emerging and awakening post COVID. We are not unlike the poppy, with the chance to bud, unfurl, open and bloom in the way that feels best. Like flowers, we are each different, unique and beautiful in our own ways.”
Eric Chandler
“A caterpillar restricted to the branches, limited by its form, undergoes a transformation. The caterpillar awakens from its chrysalis and re-emerges as a stronger more resilient self, transformed, free from its restraints, ready to fly.”
Reveal and reception event: Aug. 18, 6 p.m.
Dedan Davenport
“We must greet internal and external conditions in our lives with humility. We can emerge humble with each arising situation. This allows us to choose an open, engaged relationship with self, community, and society instead of remaining closed off.”
Reveal and reception event: Aug. 25, 6 p.m.
Denis Rosa:
“Post-pandemic, people are slowly re-emerging, as is captured in the sketch of a popular Danbury park. This Plein Air painting will embody the spirit of re-awakened activities, such as spending time with family and friends, capturing the impact of nature as source of mental wellness.”
Reveal and reception event: Sept. 1, 6 p.m.
Kelsey Gilmore:
“I based my mural on a painting by Giotto Di Bondone (or Giotto). This quote has inspired my work and creates the connection between re-emergence and awakening: ‘Every nature, every modeled form, every creature, exists in and with each other.’”
Reveal and reception event: Sept. 8, 6 p.m.