The bridge connecting the Barrett Center for Technology Innovation and the Learning Resource Commons on North Campus has received a splash of color thanks to a new mural with an uplifting message.
The success of the unit by Toronto artist Phillip Saunders is an initiative of the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging and the Humber Galleries and is part of the mural series “Campus as a Canvas”.
The digital illustration mural is dedicated to Black Heritage 365 in Humber.
Kimberly Daniels, manager of Student Inclusion and Belonging, said the mural aligns with the Black Heritage 365 Committee’s goals of celebrating Black excellence and joy. Daniels said the mural embodies those goals.
“This mural is a really beautiful way to honor the contribution of the black community to Humber,” Daniels said.
In the artist statement that accompanies the work, Saunders says the mural is made up of seven vignettes inspired by moments in the success story. The first wall depicts family structures rooted in unity and love, promoting healthy foundations, while the second, larger wall highlights the fruits of a strong foundation and the value of education. This wall features Humber’s student body in various areas of interest from science to sports.
“The inspiration behind the mural is love, family and education,” writes Saunders. “This work takes a traditional approach to what I believe are the pillars of success, namely strong, loving family support and the value of a good education to fulfill passions, dreams and aspirations.”
Casey Norris, project manager at Humber Galleries and the Centre for Creative Business Innovation, said the mural is a great example of how the Campus at a Canvas initiative can bring a splash of colour and creativity to a previously unused space. Visible from the outside thanks to the bridge’s glass windows, the mural is a visual way to foster a sense of representation and belonging among students.
The use of pastel colors is reminiscent of stained glass, and Norris said some staff members thought that was exactly what they were seeing at first glance. The previously flat white walls now burst with vibrancy.
“This mural has really transformed the space and it makes you slow down as you walk by to take it in,” Norris said.
Daniels said Saunders’ use of bright colors creates a sense of joy and euphoria, and that his emphasis on love and community in his art fits perfectly with what Humber wanted to achieve with the mural.
