The murals of Philadelphia cover so many themes, it's impossible to list them all off the top of your head. Some murals honor historical figures, others pay tribute to neighborhood icons, and some make obscure or direct references to community history. Some murals are serious, others are more whimsical. Some have a point or a mission, and others offer art for art's sake. In thinking about the many murals around our fair city, we confess that we cannot think of any that include an interactive feature, but a new mural that's nearing completion will soon fit that bill.
Over the last several weeks, artist Candy Chang has created The Atlas of Tomorrow on a formerly blank stucco wall on the northeast corner of Juniper & South. Working in concert with the Mural Arts Program and the Department of Behavioral Health and Disability Services, Ms. Chang has crafted a "device for philosophical reflection that includes 64 fable-like guides to help people contemplate their lives and destigmatize discussion around mental health." These short fables offer simple lessons like "Plan carefully before you take that first step. Accept the help of others, knowing that growth is always difficult at the beginning," using an analogy of a huge tree growing from a tiny seed.
The mural will soon include a dial that passersby will be able to spin to essentially ask the mural a question. The instructions suggest that you consider an issue in your life that you'd like to bring to a wise old friend or a future version of yourself. Upon spinning the dial, you'll read the recommended story once for a quick reaction, then a second time to really think it over.
We're really digging on this philosophical mural and look forward to its completion. Can't wait to take it for a spin.