In 2022, Chicago-based interdisciplinary artist Gloria Talamantes (Talamantes) created the mural entitled, Life Cycle: Day + Night. The concept was based on Talamantes’ personal experiences of the nature path area in Lincoln Park during both daytime and nighttime. The mural is located at the Fullerton Pedestrian Underpass, across from the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. In 2012, the City of Chicago built a new bridge across the Lincoln Park Lagoon and created this pedestrian and cycling underpass. Both mural walls measure 110 feet long by 13 feet tall.
Talamantes says of the new mural, “I believe the mural perfectly depicts the vibrancy of the many communities that exist in the space. From bug life, plant life and the frequency of bikers, skaters, trekkers, fisherman etc. who use the path, it embodies the diverse nature of the underpass path.” Talamantes finds that the mural is a great connector from one end of the park to another. It has received so many great responses from the local community, as well as Chicagoans and tourists alike. Talamantes reflects, “I painted this mural, while knowing that my Dad was terminally ill. He would ask me about the progress every day. I was able to find some comfort painting it during this difficult time.”
Talamantes is grateful for the opportunity to have painted this with the help of assistant artist Jamiah Calvin and others.
Donated by the Marsha and Philip Dowd Family Fund, the mural transforms a capital project into a showpiece. We would also like to thank former Alderwoman Michele Smith of the 43rd Ward for making this project possible.
Lead Artist Gloria Talamantes
Assistant Artist Jamiah Calvin
Location
Fullerton Pedestrian Underpass
W Fullerton Ave and N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL
