Public Art Flourishes In Newark: 2 New Murals Grace The City

NEWARK, NJ — Newark is a city well-known for its wide range of public art. Now, the Brick City has two more inspiring works of creativity to call its own: a community-painted Pride project, and a tribute to a growing partnership with Ghana.

Last week, city officials and artist Mohammad “Moh” Awudu unveiled a towering, 60-foot-tall mural that celebrates his West African roots. The 4,000 square-foot work of art – dubbed “Sankofa” (“go back and get it”) – can be seen at 2 Treat Place.

Awudu was born and raised in Nima, a suburb of Accra, Ghana. He arrived in Newark in early June to perform at the recent AfroBeat Fest, coordinated by First Lady Linda Baraka.

“The City of Newark and cities in Ghana have had Sister City relationships for many years, and this partnership is evidence of the connection between the two communities,” she said.

“The Newark and Ghana relationship is further strengthened by the Sankofa mural,” the city’s first lady said.

The massive painting took about three weeks to complete, according to a statement from the mayor’s office:

“The composition positions a woman adorned in a vibrant Dukus (turban) at the forefront, her powerful eyes locking with passersby. Surrounding her is an assemblage of African iconology and Islamic calligraphy. Some Adinkra symbols present in the composition represent unity, the supremacy of God, hardiness, toughness, and perseverance. The Arabic word ‘Iqra,’ meaning ‘read,’ is emphasized. The two vernaculars intertwine, sharing a narrative about the mural’s location and how language is critical to the community’s inclusive development and success. Birds fly throughout the mural background touching on migration. Their prominence serves as a reminder that even when we call a new place home, we should continue to embrace the place where we first took flight.”

“This mural represents a universal truth, that each of us, no matter our culture, race or belief system, holds within us the key to understanding and liberation,” Awudu said. “If we can be still long enough to be guided by our own heartbeat, we will find our way toward every answer we need.”

“Answers rooted in love and a generous spirit,” Awudu added.

Now embellishing Treat Place, home to the Four Corners Public Arts project between Branford Place and Williams Street, the mural was commissioned by the City of Newark Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs, organized by Four Corners Public Arts, and supported by Invest Newark.

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Fittingly, it adorns Branford Place, the previous home of the Islamic Society of Essex County and its historic mosque, city officials said.

“‘Sankofa’ could well be a motto for our City of Newark, as we reflect on where, and what, our residents have come from, come through, and come to,” Mayor Ras Baraka said.

“When we draw on the ancestral wisdom we carry within us, and use it as a guiding light through current challenges, we honor our traditions, and safeguard our future,” Baraka said. “I’m so grateful to Mr. Awudu for expressing this truth here in the middle of our downtown district.”

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SOUND THE RAINBOW

Last month, Equal Space, Four Corners Public Arts and other community partners – including a LGBTQ+ liaison from the Newark Police Department – rolled up their sleeves to create a community-painted Pride mural on Treat Place.

Gathering on a sunny Saturday, community members added a two-block long, 550-foot LGBTQ Pride mural to the asphalt between Branford Street and Williams Street.

“This mural marks a moment that we are witnessing a nationwide threat, overturning legislation on gender-based and affirming healthcare and targeting LGBTQIA+ rights,” organizers wrote. “This activation demonstrates our city’s commitment to our Queer communities and is a joyous celebration of us.”

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