"Anah's Journey"

“Anah’s Journey” - in Flint, Michigan for the @flintpublicart Free City Mural Festival by @nathanbrown77 and @nicocathcart using @gpwmuralpaints and @nbq_usa spray paint.

‘120 ft wide x 14 ft high. Scroll for details.

How do we talk about water’s importance? For this collab- Nathan was compelled to paint the Steppingstone Falls, its brutalist architecture mirroring his geometric style. Nico was inspired by the Pre-Raphaelite painting “The Lady of Shallot”. Anah Johnson was selected as the model, as an Afro-Indigenous woman, she symbolizes the nexus of the black community and indigenous peoples whose environmental stewardship is vital to the health of the waters. Moved by the imagery, Anah wrote a poem in Choctaw, highlighting her connection to the water. By applying a classic composition to a modern subject, Nico is allowing the subject to take control of the narrative, who paddles her own way through the rivers of her ancestors.

Surrounding the focal points are Nathan’s wave-like abstractions, activating space and bringing the viewer's eye through the mural. Flanking the edges are pink pond lilies, native to the Flint area. Often used as images representing rebirth and enlightenment, their inclusion reminds us of Anah’s Journey, and the journey of the community of Flint.

Anah (she/they) is a farmer, licensed massage therapist, and small business owner. As a Choctaw and Louisiana Creole descendant, she has roots in the Deep South with ties to the Midwest, having family who moved to the area during The Great Migration escaping harsh anti-Black & anti-Indigenous conditions under Jim Crow. Anah spent six formative years of her life in the Midwest until leaving to serve in the US Navy. Anah has committed herself to Indigenous culture revitalization and preservation work with a focus on Indigenous languages.

Anah’s wardrobe is authentic- Rain cloud earrings by Thachanku Beadwork, dress by Grass-fields, green beaded collar from Bihhi Áyásha, purple galaxy apron by Cedar Sapling, yellow & red apron from Oka Homma, ribbon skirt by Night Owl Market, four directions finger-woven belt by Doug Martin.

THANK YOU TO ALL THAT SUPPORTED THIS PROJECT:

@nbqspray

@aerosollegends

@gpwmuralpaints

@waiakea

@branddiversesolutions

@mottfoundation

@giveflint

@greaterflintartscouncil

@sherwinwilliams

@financialplus

@applegatechev

@hoffmansdecodeli

@enzospizzeriaofmi

@rootlesscoffee

@equipment_share

@flintcitytshirts

@factorytwo

@blackstonesdowntownflint

@italia_gardens_flint

@wyndham_grand_blanc

@flintsocialclub

@soggybottomflint

@geneseecountylandbank

@gtdnaflint

@flintprints

@homedepot

@costco

@meijer

@keepgeneseecountybeautiful

@elementsmkc

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