The Obama Foundation has commissioned renowned Ethiopian-American artist Julie Mehretu to create a monumental glass installation titled “Uprising of the Sun.” This 83-foot-tall by 25-foot-wide artwork will be featured on the exterior of the north side of the Museum Building at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. This commission marks a significant moment in the intersection of art, history, and social change, reflecting the profound impact of President Obama’s legacy.
Mehretu, celebrated for her abstract and architectural work, is known for her ability to bridge past and present, personal history and public space. Her upcoming installation at the Obama Presidential Center will not only be a visual centerpiece but also a symbolic representation of the themes that have defined her artistic journey.
The inspiration behind “Uprising of the Sun” draws from President Obama’s remarks at the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches, a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Mehretu sees this work as a reflection of the historical context of his presidency and hopes it will inspire viewers while drawing them to the Center.
Mehretu’s journey from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to becoming a globally recognized abstract artist is a testament to the transformative power of art. Born in 1970, she experienced the upheaval of the Mengistu revolution and the Red Terror, leading her family to move to the United States in 1977. This transition, which she describes as a “loss of innocence,” deepened her self-awareness and ignited her passion for art.
“I vividly remember being especially proud of making paper ties as a child,” Mehretu recalls. “My father often wore ties when he went out, and I loved them. So, I used to make these elaborate paper ties that I would pin on my shirt and walk through the streets, showing certain people my ties.”
Her passion for art was nurtured through visits to institutions like the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Art Institute of Chicago, where she found solace and inspiration. Supported by teachers, her parents, and her own exploration, Mehretu’s love for art flourished.
When offered the opportunity to contribute to the Obama Presidential Center, Mehretu felt both honored and overwhelmed. “My admiration for President Obama and his family’s legacy played a big part, but it’s also personal for me,” she expressed. “His presidency meant a lot to my family, especially my father and his generation, and it has also shaped my own generation and my children.”
“Uprising of the Sun” will be Mehretu’s first work using glass as a medium. The installation draws inspiration from a quote from President Obama’s speech during the 50th anniversary of the Selma marches. It melds images from that historical moment with others, including “The Total Liberation of Africa” by Afewerk Tekele, “The Land of the Lotus Eaters” by Robert S. Duncanson, and “Confrontation on the Bridge” by Jacob Lawrence.
“The idea with this was to create a window that fits into the idea of thinking through layers, place, and histories,” Mehretu explained. The abstract nature of the work juxtaposes past and present, offering viewers a dialogue between the historical and the contemporary. This meticulously crafted window reflects themes of time, place, and historical transformation, creating a visual and symbolic connection between the Obama Presidential Center and the broader history of Chicago.
Mehretu hopes her installation will be both a reflection on historical context and an inspiration for future possibilities, embodying the spirit of the Obama Presidential Center as a space of growth and creativity. As visitors stand before “Uprising of the Sun,” they will not only witness a stunning work of art but also engage with the ongoing story of social change that it represents.
