New EL MAC mural with Augustine Kofie + Aise Born in Los Angeles: "Monument of Love: Mother and Child"

“Monument of Love: Mother and Child”

Mural on the Good Shepherd Manor for Destination Crenshaw, Los Angeles, 2024

 

This is my largest mural in Los Angeles, titled “Monument of Love: Mother and Child”, painted with Augustine Kofie and AiseBorn of the United To Inspire collective, commissioned by Destination Crenshaw. The three of us each have a young son, and fatherhood has reinforced our appreciation for the importance of parenthood, and especially the deep significance of a mother to a child. Since I was little my own beloved mother, who passed away nearly two years ago, was a source of strength and protection for me. She was the greatest artist I've ever known, and I am the artist and person I am because she loved me. She helped instill a love of art and beauty, as well as a strong moral sense of the value of artistic creation—to see the creation of, and connection with, art as potentially a form of celebration, prayer, and service. It's hard for me to convey in words the gratitude and love I carry for my mother, and the respect I have for caring mothers everywhere, and so the best way I know to show that love is with my art. This was an epic opportunity to express these feelings and share this devotional image of love and beauty with others.

 Six years ago, when I first heard of the possibility to contribute something for Destination Crenshaw, I immediately thought of drawing inspiration from, and paying respects to, the great Charles White. Some of White’s images depicting mothers with children served as the foundation for the composition of this mural, including his drawing from 1953 titled ‘Mother and Child’. I've been inspired by White’s work, and feel a shared sense of his artistic vision and philosophy: I am concerned about my fellow man. I am concerned with the survival of man. I am concerned with the progress that man has made in relation to his fellow man, in relation to nature, in trying to find a more beautiful way of life....I am trying to fulfill my responsibility to myself and to express my gratitude for the privilege that I’ve had of living..."

I envisioned this mural to be an expression of gratitude conveying strength, pride, and resilience, and as a monument to mothers, caregivers, children, and above all to love.

Many thanks to Kofie and Aise for their beautiful work + friendship. Thanks to the entire Destination Crenshaw team for making this all possible, with special gratitude to Joy Simmons, Ron Finley, and Marqueece Harris-Dawson. Thanks to mi amor Kimberly for the patience + project management. Thanks to Tahoe and the exceptional models for this mural, Lliam + Shontel. Thanks to the fine folks at the Good Shepherd Manor, and to everyone who supported or showed love in any way. Thanks to David Joseph Pérez, Eric Heights, and Zane Meyer of Chop 'Em Down for the documentation.