AADL Blog:  Christopher Porter, January 6, 20201

A Guide to the Ann Arbor Art Center’s Art in Public Places Murals Project

‘Ann Lewis is a Detroit-based interdisciplinary artist and activist. She is one of two additional artists brought on in October to install a mural, May Her Memory Be Our Innermost Revolution, behind the building at 123 N. Ashley St., near the corner of Ann and First streets, and extends over the expansive rear walls. The multi-panel work is comprised of vibrant backdrops in a cool-toned ombre, with large-scale, bright labyrinth overlays. Lewis’ complex practice is summarized in her “About” section on both her website and the Art Center’s mural page. This text notes that her works are public, participatory, and performative, and work to engage with and respond to current social and political realities: “As an interdisciplinary activist artist, she incorporates painting, installation, sculpture, and participatory means to explore themes related to American identity, power structures, and justice. Ann’s work often includes repetition through graphic elements, and a limited color palette while conveying messages around intersectional social justice issues such as gentrification, women’s rights, and police brutality.” The labyrinthine design repeated on three different walls is a common element in Lewis’ past works; in this instance, the cheery, Day-Glo hues of the linework contrast against the calm blues of the background, creating an intense visual contrast.’