New mural reflects diversity of Richards

Inspired by JR, a graffiti artist known worldwide for addressing complex issues with thought and humor, teacher Kristin Tyszkiewicz and three students set out to create a mural that reflected the diversity of Richards High School.

Profiled by “60 Minutes” recently, JR exhibits immense photographs in public places to raise awareness of societal issues like race relations, celebrate the perseverance and strength of women in areas of the world scarred by war, or just draw attention to working class citizens.

Art students Saul Ramirez, Jordan Couch and Stanley Johnson collaborated with Tyszkiewicz on the mural.

“JR gets his portraits from everyday people so the results are unguarded, funny, soulful and real pieces of art that capture the spirit of individuals who normally go unseen,” said Ramirez.

With the help of friends and fellow artists, JR pastes his photographs on the sides of buildings, on streets and sidewalks, bridges, and even roofs of buildings.

“Not only do they confront the public audience, but they also help engage audiences where they least expect it. Often introducing those who are unfortunate in the world to the remaining population in the world,” Ramirez said.

The diversity of Richards provided some of the inspiration for the mural.

“I think we are all different but at the same time we are the same. Different because we have different personalities, yet same because I believe that no one is perfect and that none of us can be better the other,” Ramirez said.

Like many high schools in the Chicago area, Richards features a student body large enough that an individual can feel lost or unnoticed. That also inspired the idea.

“I took this idea to show off the different variety of cultures that we have here in Richards. Also I wanted to give an opportunity to those students who are not really known in the school to show off their personality. This project is about how you want to be seen so we could show our different emotions and actions,” Ramirez said.