This group was shot on May 6, 2012
This temporary mural was created through twelve workshops with local artists about the nature of compassion. The double portraits depict the artists interacting with themselves in a compassionate gesture of their choosing. The portraits will be left untreated and then washed away before a new one is painted each Thursday in chalk pastel by the artist Evan Bissell.
The participants of the workshop painted the medallions that frame the installation. The symbols contrast with the background drawings that represent challenges to our ability to be compassionate on a personal level as as a society.
The mural is made possible by the Intersection for the Arts, Larkin Street Youth Services and the Tenderloin Housing Clinic.
Bissell is a 2005 graduate of Wesleyan University with a double major in Painting and American Studies with an Ethnic Studies concentration. He was trained in 2011 as a circle keeper by Sujatha Baliga.
Sujatha Baliga’s work is characterized by an equal dedication to victims and persons accused of crime. Sujatha has worked extensively with victims of domestic violence and child sexual abuse as an advocate and board member for rape crisis centers and domestic violence shelters. The convergence of Sujatha’s interest in Tibetan ideals of justice and her work with women accused of killing their abusers drew her to law school and ultimately, criminal defense work. After several years as an appellate public defender in New Mexico and at the Office of the Appellate Defender in New York City, Sujatha relocated to California in 2006 to work on capital cases.
These are wonderful and they are much needed in this world today. Violence seems to be endemic in our population and epidemic around the world. Kudos to all involved!
This is wonderful. I wonder how long he will keep doing the chalk paintings? Great effect.
I like the idea of the centre piece being renewed with something different each week, yet still being surrounded by the medallions, thereby altering your perspective each time you see it.
I love the idea of temporary murals that have some meaning behind them. Thanks for the pictures and the story too!
More great murals and captured very well.
Wonderful project –it gives me hope! Respect, peace, love: we were talking about this in the 60s and it’s still relevant today.
Such temporary art needs documenting.
“Compassion is Life, not a Chore.” Yup, yup, yup. All goodness here.
[…] Evan has other pieces around San Francisco depicting fellow artists. Bissell is a 2005 graduate of Wesleyan University with a double major in Painting and American Studies with an Ethnic Studies concentration. He was trained in 2011 as a circle keeper by Sujatha Baliga. […]