Painting the Town
“I believe in the power of art as the catalyst for transformation”- José Faus
Northeast Mural, José Faus, Kansas City, KS
Commissioned to create a mural in a marginalized community in Kansas City, KS, José Faus depicts the diversity of life in the Northeast and expresses his ideas of art as a cultural unifier.
The neighborhood was initially skeptical of painting a mural there, believing it would just be defaced. As he was painting it, people came around asking to be depicted in the mural, and others began standing guard to protect it. (Faus tells The Moth)
See
I first learned about José Faus while listening to his story on The Moth. His life and work are compelling examples of creating change through art. Faus uses a variety of media to make an impact on the communities he is part of, from colorful murals that incorporate local people, to poetry and other writing about life. He also serves as a mentor and teacher, working to empower communities through art.
Let’s look at the impact he has had on Kansas City, where he’s lived since coming to the US at the age of nine. His work is a source of community pride, showcasing Kansas City's past and culture, and involving kids from all over town.
Dawning of a New Day, 2004, Artists: José Faus and Alisha Gambino
Honoring the importance of generations, family, and culture in the African American community, the left side of the mural emphasizes the cultural legacy of African art, dress, architecture and textile patterns. The right side of the mural mirrors the African skyline with an urban American skyline, and features portraits of people who have left a significant legacy in American society, many with connections to Kansas City. The middle section features the seven principles of Kwanzaa and shows the hope of children and the future.
El Baile de la Vida (The Dance of Life), 2004, Artists: José Faus and Alisha Gambino
A tribute to Mexican folklórico dancing, this mural portrays, in vivid color, dancers in costumes from 19 different Mexican states. They surround a scene of modern day dancers of all ages. The mural includes familiar Mexican images, including La Virgen de Guadalupe, skeletons from Day of the Dead celebrations and the Mexican coat of arms. A longtime youth folklórico instructor and parents with young children at nearby Douglass Elementary helped design the mural. (Kansas City Avenue of Murals)
“Without art, life is barren.” -Faus
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Up and Down Round and Round, 2007, Directing Artist: José Faus
Inspired by listening to and reading the life stories of a senior citizen writing class at the Shepherd Center, high school students created the design for this mural that depicts the up and down unpredictability of life. Using the carnival as its storytelling theme, the mural portrays a young girl going through the amusement park and growing up as she reaches the end. Through the roller coaster, she experiences ups and downs and finally hitting her target of maturing and discovering what she wants in life.
I paint in a variety of styles including narrative murals that convey histories of place. I also do abstract work. I like to engage the community in conversations regarding place, histories, customs, significant contributors to flesh out ideas that resonate and help community members feel ownership in the final project.
Facing the Past, Looking to the Future: A Kansas Hmong Storycloth, 2005, Jose Faus and Alisha Gambino
Patterned after an embroidered Hmong story cloth, this mural represents modern and traditional Hmong culture through mirror images of work, play and celebration. The border design around the edges is inspired by traditional stitched patterns.The dominant colors of the mural are blue - common to story cloths - and green for the lush green landscapes of Hmong villages.
“Nobody has ever cared for us. Nobody has ever done anything like that for us here. With tears in his he says, Thank You, brother, thank you.” -Resident of neighborhood where Faus was painting a mural.
Public art can allow historically marginalized and under-invested communities the chance to develop and express local culture and artistic voice. Additionally, placement of the art in or nearby residential areas means residents can easily access and enjoy these artworks daily.
Wyandot Echoes, 2007, Artists: Duane Dudley, José Faus, Alisha Gambino
This mural represents the migrations of members of the Wyandot Nation, who were forced to leave Ohio, Michigan, and Ontario by steamboat. Despite great difficulty, they built a prosperous town that would grow into what we know today as Kansas City, KS.
Say
Whether using his Mural painting, writing or community activism, Faus says, “I want to build communities that I’m comfortable living in… Inclusive, affordable, and driven by social justice.“
How do you think the examples of the Faus’ murals create a feeling of comfort and inclusivity for members of the KC community?
Everybody has a story to tell. What are the narratives that make up your community?
Faus has worked on over twenty murals in Kansas City. What effect do you think that has on the city for both residents and visitors?
Do
Read: How Public Art Can Improve Quality of Life and Advance Equity
Faus painted an open air market in the Northeast Mural featured above. It is a place of gathering for all nationalities.
Go to an open air market. Notice who is there. Are the people in your community part of your friend groups, social circles, organizations. If not, consider why not.
Consider giving donations of money or time to bolster public art in marginalized communities.
About José Faus
Artist José Faus, a native of Bogota, Colombia, is widely known for his colorful community murals in the Kansas City area. He's also a poet, writer, performer, and an independent teacher/mentor with an interest in the role of artists as creative catalysts for community building. He received degrees from the University of Missouri at Kansas City in painting and creative writing. Furthermore, he is a founder of the Latino Writers Collective and sits on the boards of The Latino Writers Collective, The Full Frame Initiative, and Charlotte Street Foundation. His chapbook This Town Like That was released by Spartan Press. His book of poetry, The Life and Times of José Calderon, was published by West 39 Press. (artistinc)
I am a muralist with a long history of community engagement. I have painted murals in the Kansas City Metropolitan area and have co-led mural projects in Mexico in the state of Michoacán. I also was a US Cultural Ambassador for a mural project in Santa Cruz Bolivia.
José Faus is a founding member of the Latino Writers Collective and sits on the boards of the Latino Writers Collective, UMKC Friends of the Library, Charlotte Street Foundation and is president of the board of The Writers Place.
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