Rising

Sometimes graffiti artists transcend the mere impulse to “make their mark.” In this case, a damaged wall is transformed from a derelict facade into a simple but striking statement. While not everyone would call this art, it is an example of how human creativity can transform what is already there (a broken wall) into something surprising, delightful and even  inspiring. By its anonymity, its use of a “found” surface and the triumphant gesture of the figure, “Rising” can be taken as an urban and contemporary image of resurrection.

—Lois Huey-Heck