CMAP/ The Spirit of Rhythm
THE SPIRIT OF RHYTHM
Groundswell Community Mural Project ©
www.groundswellmural.org
Acrylic on Panel
7 x 7 Ft
2007
Lead Artist: Cornell D. Jones
Co-Lead Artist: Christopher Cardinale
Youth Artists: Jimmie White, Kasheem Black, Danny Simeon, Delon George, Ronald Woods, Tatiana Hilman, Laura Powell, Antia Joseph, Sara Velez
Location: Brooklyn High School of the Arts, Brooklyn, NY
Community Partner: Brooklyn High School of the Arts
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
“The Spirit of Rhythm” is a mural located in the music wing of the Brooklyn High School of the Arts, Brooklyn. A group of art and music students participated in creating the mural by contributing drawings and suggestions for the design. During the process of creating the design the students participated in painting exercises, drawing activities and discussions about music and instruments.
The theme of the mural is music, with a focus on percussion instruments. The students included imagery that reflected traditional instruments and ways in which music is heard, with the gramophone and ipod as past and present examples of the way people have listened to music. The percussion instruments represented are the djimbe, triangle, drums, and a tambourine. The “spirits” of rhythm are emerging from the gramophone as they play instruments, while a drummer taps his drumsticks on the record’s surface. The ipod is attached to the arm of the gramophone as if it is the needle that will play the record. Throughout the background there are sound words that the students felt represented percussion instruments.
Special thanks to the Brooklyn High School of the Arts staff, who provided valuable support and insight during the process of creating the mural.