African-American/ Latino Mural
The mural is the collaborative effort of local artist Pablo Serrano, artist Delilah D. Salgado and neighborhood residents. It showcases positive African American and Latino depictions, mixing together traditional muralism techniques with outright enigmatic graffiti. The mural hits the core of the diverse and ever-growing artistic neighborhood. It blends together pre-colonial Aztec images with modern portraits of children and family, creating a story of community progress and accomplishments. Amidst the smiling faces etched alongside the wall, the image of Jeff Abbey Maldonado Jr., tells a story of neighborhood violence and tragedy. The 19-year-old aspiring rapper was gunned down and killed on July 25, 2009, just a day after celebrating his birthday. His death was a case of mistaken identity. The powerful and nostalgic image, which shows Maldonado in a T-shirt with his alias “J-Def” in the arms of what seems to be the Virgen de Guadalupe, carries a message of anti-violence, peace and hope that ultimately strives to unite the community.
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NORTH (LEFT) TO 18TH ST., WEST (LEFT) TO HALSTED, NORTH TO 16TH ST.
The next few murals will all be on 16th St. YOU WILL END AT WOOD ST.
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