2024
The Collaborative Mural at PSU White Gallery
The Mural Project at PSU White Gallery is a process-focused collaboration that turns creation into an exhibition. Unlike finished artworks, it emphasizes the process, inviting the PSU community to participate freely—whether briefly observing or contributing elements—redefining public art as inclusive and participatory.
Collaborator /
Nina Vichayapai, Simeen Anjum, Clara Harlow, Gilian Rappaport, Willikanna Wallace, Io Boerke, Kaylee Neznanski, Isaac Odai, Jamie Armitage
The Mural Project at PSU White Gallery began with collaborative brainstorming sessions. Participants explored questions such as: What do we want this space to represent? What elements would foster a sense of belonging? How can we shape a space that reflects our community's values? These discussions informed the mural's overarching theme: "Neighborhood."
The timing of this project was significant. Across the United States, university campuses were sites of protests, and at Portland State University, the library was temporarily closed due to damage. These events deepened the project's focus on community resilience, reflection, and dialogue. The mural became a canvas for contemplating the university’s role as a communal hub, symbolized by the library and the world events unfolding at the time. The gallery transformed into a platform for exchanging ideas and fostering conversations about shared experiences and aspirations.
The mural embodied the concept of art as a catalyst—a medium for exploration, connection, and collaboration. Participants used prompts to articulate their interests, share perspectives, and work together, leading to spontaneous conversations that sparked new ideas.
The creation process introduced a distinctive method using masking tape to outline motifs for the mural. By employing familiar materials in innovative ways, participants experienced a refreshing approach to art-making. The ease of adjusting the design by peeling and reapplying tape reduced the intimidation often associated with creating art. The final step involved painting the entire surface in a single color, then peeling away the tape to reveal the design beneath—demonstrating how small shifts in perspective and technique can lead to transformative outcomes.
Ultimately, the Mural Project was more than a collaborative artwork; it was an invitation to reflect, share, and build a visual representation of the PSU community's collective voice. It highlighted the power of creative engagement to inspire connection and foster a sense of place.
