The Artist

Visible from the Green Line, the (The Artist) mural, commissioned by Jake Troyli, an artist known for exploring the construction of otherness and the commodification of Black and Brown bodies, stands as a beacon of empowerment. After experiencing SkyART’s transformative youth programs, Troyli connected deeply with young artists aged 7 to 13, recognizing the profound impact of SkyART’s mission to provide free art programming and art therapy. In collaboration with SkyWAY artists, Troyli crafted a powerful message for Chicago's youth: to forge their own paths and create their own possibilities. What began as simple doodles evolved into a breathtaking masterpiece, portraying a young man of color, donning in Troyli’s iconic afro and Chicago Jordans, climbing a ladder while painting vast clouds into a bright blue sky. This towering figure, a symbol of self-determination and the creation of one's own reality, proudly overlooks the city from the Green Line. The mural was installed by the talented muralists Jasmina Amalya Cazacu and Jesse Navarrete.

Where to find it

3450 W Lake St. Location data: Chicago Open Data. Get directions