Although the image is a simple rose painted on a large scale, the idea of filling a sloping space of a railroad retaining wall with a beautiful splash of color is genius! Artist Jenna Morello returned to Wabash Walls 2019 after contributing the fantastic piece "Cello" and a private installation "Gwen" a bit farther to the south on Wabash in 2018. (The first "W" in Wabash Walls across the street was also painted by Morello.)
In fact, I was somewhat oblivious to the 2019 edition of Wabash Walls until this mural jumped off the wall in front of me. The placement of the bright red rose bud near the darkening roadway as Wabash dips under the railroad pass is perfect. The green stem stretches to the west as the retaining wall tapers which fills the space without feeling pinched.
I noticed the artist's signature and a special note "for Jimmy", but there is no explanation to viewers why Jimmy is singled out for this honor. Is it in memorial? Is it a love interest? Viewers can only speculate unless they know the artist. But regardless, I can only hope to lead a life that inspires someone to remember me with such a gift.
Review #3002 read more