We collectively as a group have decided not to publish any full final photos of the mural. Throughout our process, we studied the effect that photography has on art and through this feel that pictures distort the art itself and the environment that it is present in. 

Artist Statement - The Collapse of Chaos

“We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” 

- Joseph Campbell

The Collapse of Chaos is our collaborative artistic journey into the unknown abyss of the NuVu underground that begins with a simple prompt:

[Free·dom]

ˈfrēdəm/

NounThe state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint. 

The ability to change an entire space by painting a mural on the walls and ceiling. 

The capability to think without limits by fighting our inner demons. 

The permission you give yourself to do something different, creative, difficult, and exciting. 

Modelled after Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s journey, The Collapse of Chaos is the result of the many different stages and iterations it went through to eventually become the ever-growing beast in front of your eyes. Just as the hero goes through the walk to the unknown - we went through an experience of unknown goals and prospects for this project. As we progressed through this studio a path was illuminated as our creation spoke to us and gave us direction.

Our group started with the literal definition of freedom and we embraced that concept by integrating it into our project ideas. We quickly realized the only way for us to truly embrace freedom was to say let go of the planning and preconceived notions and just go for it using our intuition, constantly resolving it aesthetically and conceptually.  

And so we began our journey, painting creatures that manifested our interpretations and experiences of freedom. The pink color of the walls around us guided with the spirit and energy of NuVu; the black and white additions highlighted the contrast and harmony of light versus dark, serious versus humor and good versus evil. 

Inspiration from Graffiti artist Eko Nugroho and collaboration with Raghava KK shaped the production of this fantastical and occasionally terrifying world. Characters emerged from these influences- embodying our struggles with mobility, openness, and dualism stemming from internal conflicts. Through the ups and downs, spirited debates, and cycles of painting then whiting out, we learned about each other, our environment, and ultimately we were able to produce the piece you see today.

We invite you to interact with this piece and add your own struggles and conflicts to the landscape we have created. It is through collaboration and openness that we find the strength to persevere and excel through hardship.