New Art Project In Philadelphia Celebrates Community Through Public Art
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The mural arts in Philadelphia is taking a bold step.
In the area of Dilworth Park, near City Hall -- look up.
One man's story is being written on the side of a building.
The center of urban Philadelphia has it's traffic and it's food trucks on South 15th Street.
And if you look up, you'll find it's canvas.
"It is the right time for this project and Philadelphia is the right city to do it," said Jane Golden, founder of Philadelphia's Mural Arts Program.
The project is called Open Source, a celebration of the community through public art.
Hanging on a scaffolding on the top floors of the Graham building, the world reknowned Parisian street artist known as JR was installing his latest work.
The face is that of Ibrahim Shah.
"I was working here, right and one day they come and say 'can I take your picture' and I say, 'yes of course.'"
On the corner of 15th and JFK, across from City Hall, that's not a typical request.
Ibrahim works a food truck.
"I make cheesesteaks. I sell hot dogs and sausages and sodas."
Ibrahim is from Pakistan. He's been in Philadelphia a year.
Two months ago JR roamed the city with his camera looking for a story to tell in black and white that could translate onto a canvas stories high -- that anyone could see.
"In my country, no work. Nothing. I like because I can work," said Shah.
It's his story.
Jane Golden, the founder of Philadelphia's Mural Arts Program says the point is to illuminate Philadelphia's diverse urban identity.
"This is my life, my voice, my story, we count. Our lives matter," said Golden.
Ibrahim's story just one of 14 told by top contemporary artists using Philadelphia as their studio.
Jane Golden's leadership in mural art is groundbreaking. These other 14 new pieces will be positioned around the city.
They will be complete by the end of October in time for a celebration.
