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  • PRESS RELEASE


    This significant addition to the City’s collection of public art results from the City’s collaboration with AJ Capital Partners, the developer, owner, and operator of Graduate Hotels. The City worked with AJ during the process of the hotel’s development to establish a public art component. As part of the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting the community and nurturing its unique culture, the Graduate selected Abney based upon the recommendation of the Bloomington Art Commission. With imagery and an aesthetic particularly suited to Bloomington, the mural complements the hotel’s bespoke furnishings and decorations, informed by the city’s traditions, figures, and landmarks.

    “Showcasing nationally recognized public art on Kirkwood is an exciting result of a successful public-private relationship,” said Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton. “We appreciate this investment by Graduate Bloomington in our city, and their collaborative approach to integrate with and enhance our Bloomington sense of place.”

    A multi-disciplinary artist, Abney’s public murals use elements of bold color, shape and movement to drive the work’s composition and address contemporary social issues. Her visual language informed by popular imagery, and especially digital media, Abney’s work has particular resonance with young viewers. Among her many public art commissions, Abney’s work has recently been installed in the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the Cavaliers’ arena in Cleveland. Abney’s paintings are currently on view in 30 Americans, an exhibition of painting, sculpture, and photography by influential contemporary African American artists at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia.

    “It’s significant for Bloomington to have a major piece by Nina Chanel Abney,” said Assistant Director for the Arts Sean Starowitz. “She was at the top of the arts commission’s dream list, so we’re thrilled that the Graduate acted upon our recommendation and invested in this work. Her work has only become more prominent in the three years since we first recommended it, and giving it a home here brings Bloomington even more directly into the national and global conversation.