Running Head: ART SAVES LIVES IN DOWNTOWN PHOENIX

Art Saves Lives in Downtown Phoenix

Brooke Daly

February 15, 2018

English 102 F/9:00

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Art Saves Lives In Downtown Phoenix

The mural “Art Saves Lives” by Antonio Paso is located on the back of the art gallery,

“PSA Art Awakenings” in Rosevelt Row. This art gallery is intended for people with mental

illnesses to express their creativity and artwork. The CEO Sara Marriott speaks why she created

this warehouse, “​I love art history. I love the master artists and know that many had suffered

from behavioral health issues. When the idea came up about helping people improve their mental

illness by creating art and selling art, it seemed like a good idea. And it caught on.”​ This gallery

gives everyone the opportunity to improve their mental well-being by creating and expressing

whatever they wish.

Visually, this mural is eye-catching; it consists of multiple colorful images that makes

one have to stop to view it. At a first glance, it is not clear as to how all of the symbols on the

mural are interconnected, but they all contain powerful meanings that portray the same message.

The overall theme of the mural appears to advocate respecting the Earth we live on, as well as

promoting the idea of expressing creativity to everyone. The majority of the mural consists of

bright colors such as blues and greens, and the bottom left of the piece is darker; it depicts outer

space. In addition, the mural contains multiple details which makes the painting pleasing to the

eye.

The primary object that stands out is the woman in the center who is blue; she perhaps

represents Mother Nature. She consists of multiple shades of blue and her hair somewhat

resembles ocean waves. Perhaps, the author’s intention in making her hair look like waves is to

emphasize the importance of protecting the ocean. It is often polluted and many creatures who

live there are in danger because of it. This message appeals to Kairos in the fact that it speaks to
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the idea of preserving the oceans, which is a necessary fact for people to be aware of.

Furthermore, Mother Nature is facing toward the left, notably towards the darker portion of the

piece, which could symbolize evil things in the world. She also appears to have a very neutral

facial expression. She seems to be watching over all of humanity in order to monitor things that

happen in society. Mother Nature faces the portion of the painting that is darker, but she is also

looking at the piano and some paintbrushes. This enhances the fact that she watches over the

entirety of humanity, which includes evil and beautiful things.

Another object that attracts the attention of the viewer is the hand which lights a candle

on top of planet earth. The flame is seen to emulate a spark of light in a dark background. This

speaks to a larger message that art brings light to the darkness, or in other words, art

overshadows evil things in the world. Wrapped around the arm is a message that says ART

SAVES LIVES. This is an interesting intention by the author to have the title of the mural as a

symbol of the entirety of the mural. Visually, this portion of the mural displays how art truly has

the ability to bring joy and happiness to a place filled with darkness. Outer space is in fact

literally an infinite space that is dark. On another note, this message stands out to the audience

and also appeals to Pathos. It makes the viewer feel connected to the entire mural and could help

someone also want to invest in creating art to improve their life. It can make the audience seek to

achieve their dreams and be hopeful to express their inner emotions.

An image that prevails in the mural is the black-painted man walking upstairs. The stairs

appear to have formed in the middle of space and its ending is not defined in the mural. This

symbolizes how creativity has no limits, there is free reign to produce anything one wishes. Also,

the individual steps are a light green color, while the side is a fiery orange shade. The symbolism
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of this man walking up the stairs could mean he is walking towards heaven. Perhaps creating art

makes one feel like they are in a place that is like heaven because it is so freeing to release

emotions and feelings through any form of artwork. Furthermore, it is interesting to note the

space he walks into contains clouds of purple mist and he walks with an image that resembles the

sun.

Finally, on the opposite side of the mural on the right, exists a man and woman painted

green, attached to a tree branch. They are both a solid green color so they could represent all of

humanity since the painting does not specify who exactly they are. Notably, the posture of the

man and woman are differing. The woman appears to be relaxed and free, whereas the man is

stagnant and firm. He also appears to be firmly holding onto the tree branch and seems to try to

hold the woman back with him. Perhaps, he is afraid to stray away from the roots that grounded

him and does not like to face change. This symbolism could resemble how people can be fearful

to express their creativity, but it is important to do so because it can truly bring one joy. The

woman seems to depict what it means to have the courage and show off your artwork to the

world.

This mural, Art Saves Lives, is the visual representation of what the company wants its

customers to know about the institution. It helps better the mental state and being of individuals

in a way that allows them to find pure joy in creating and displaying artwork. The colorful mural

that exists on the back of the gallery catches the attention of a viewer and makes them want to

understand the symbolism behind the images painted on the wall. Perhaps it makes someone

want to invest in taking time to find their inner artist, or it could make someone contemplate

about the numerous messages included in the piece.

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Art Saves Lives In Downtown Phoenix

Graham, K. (2017, July 14). ​Art Awakenings: Saving Lives With Art.

Retrieved from ​https://greenlivingaz.com/art-awakenings-saving-lives-art/