Five Murals in Your Neighborhood: Southeast Philly

Aqui y Alla, which translates to “here and there,” refers to youth in both Philadelphia and Mexico whose lives are impacted by immigration in a wide variety of ways. Artist Michelle Angela Ortiz worked with artists and community leaders from the Colectivo Rezizte (Juarez) and Colectivo Madroño (Chihuahua City) for a project that was truly trans-national.

This mural pays homage to local heroes: the Philadelphia 76ers. Many hands took part in the creative process for the mural by artist Ernel Martinez, inspired by the graphic basketball court layout and iconic players Dr. J, Bobby Jones, Wilt Chamberlain, Allen Iverson, Charles Barkley, and more—pictured in action on the court and in service to the community.

Artist Joe Boruchow designed this striking black and white mural to combine historical and current architectural elements from Philadelphia’s East Passyunk neighborhood. His linear, graphic style was influenced by longtime hero Keith Haring.

Nature Matching System is made up of colorful squares, corresponding to fruits and vegetables commonly eaten by immigrant communities in the area. Artist Tatfoo Tan asked locals what foods they often ate, and translated the simple text, “Remember to take your daily dose of color,” into the multiple languages that are present in the community: Karen, Chin, and Nepali.

Brand new on South Broad Street, Parts Per Million stretches across the well-known façade of South Philadelphia High School. The mural tells the story of the school’s diversity through the visual language of geometry, biology, and geography. Students working with artist Ben Volta also talked about climate science, and the large role that we can all play in our collective future, one small part at a time.