I Am The Atlantic

I Am The Atlantic by artist Josh Sarantitis is located in Center City Philadelphia. The mural acknowledges the pain of those who experience trauma and violence while illuminating the resilience that exists within us. The project leaders acknowledged that young people’s experience of and involvement with violence leave a lasting impact on them and the city as a whole. This project aimed to have viewers and project participants see themselves as survivors, not victims. The artist engaged youth through workshops and a retreat during which dialogues about healing, strength, and challenges were held. Facilitators ranging from artists to counselors were present to explore these topics. The mural design reflects the themes from these engagements and depicts three resilient youth braving tumultuous seas making their way to the safe shore where a loved one awaits.

A plaque installed at the mural site reads:

“What does it take to make our communities vibrant, healthy, and strong? We must address the influences that contribute to our well-being, including stress, experiences of trauma, availability of support, access to quality health care, educational and economic opportunities, and our environment. The Porch Light Program of the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program and the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual DisAbility Services (DBHIDS) situates art and human connection at the heart of wellness and healing in Philadelphia. By working closely with individuals experiencing mental health, substance abuse, and intellectual DisAbility, related challenges, friends and family members, service providers, the broader community, and city government we create participatory public art that explores a wide range of challenging health-related issues. The making of these murals creates opportunities for personal and communal healing, communicates thought-provoking messages of hope, recovery, resilience and self-determination, increases awareness of the variety of experiences that contribute to our well-being, and brings beauty to where we live, work, and play. Throughout these diverse projects, a common theme has emerged – the importance of having a safe and inviting space to come home to. The Porch Light program symbolizes our intention to create safe havens throughout the city where people can find comfort through others and overcome the most challenging elements of their environment.

“The mural is entitled I Am The Atlantic by muralist Josh Sarantities. The mural focuses on the impact of violence on our lives and communities, with a specific focus on the experiences of youth. I Am The Atlantic strives to highlight the strength and resilience of young people impacted by violence by encouraging viewers and project participants [to] see themselves as survivors, not victims. The final mural design recognizes the pain of young people impacted by violence and looks to a brighter future defined by fortitude, community support, and resilience.”