“Liberation-Bound” Mural by artist Jeffrey Swider-Peltz

The following quote anchors this mural: “If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” This quote is often attributed to Murri (Indigenous Australian) artist, academic, and activist Lilla Watson though she prefers the credit be given to the Aboriginal activists group of Queensland during the 1970’s.

In a year that flagrantly exacerbated American social inequalities, the social consciousness of some Americans may have awoken from a long slumber. It is in this spirit of hope that the mural seeks to encourage unity among American communities without trivializing unity’s long and arduous journey. This journey must be traveled by those cloaked in the equalness of solidarity because the freedoms of all are inextricably linked together. The mural is energetic, global in color, and chaotic in content, composition, and verbal contiguity. “Liberation” is cut and liberated in form. Yet, there is rhythm. With some patience the viewer follows the phrase from beginning to end, passing over the words worn and embodied by the sweatshirt-wearing figure.

The artist, Jeffrey Swider-Peltz, is a former US World Cup Speedskating Team member having followed in the footsteps of his Mother, America’s first four-time Winter Olympian, and his sister, his former training partner and 2010 Winter Olympian. After retiring from professional speedskating in 2018 and then graduating from college, he now lives, teaches and works as an artist in Chicago. Olympic design, colors and athletic energy flow through his work which ranges from action drawings, to installations, murals, and fashion.

Follow him at @jswiderpeltz and @uesayapparel on Instagram or on his website at jswiderpeltz.com.