GALLERY: 35-panel stained glass piece installed at Obama Center museum site

“Uprising of the Sun,” an 83-foot-by-25-foot stained glass piece, has been installed at the future Obama Presidential Center Museum site in Chicago.
“Uprising of the Sun,” an 83-foot-by-25-foot stained glass piece, has been installed at the future Obama Presidential Center Museum site in Chicago. Photo credit Obama Foundation

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A new, 83-foot-tall art installation by a world renowned artist is now on display at the future Obama Presidential Center’s Museum Building.

The piece, titled “Uprising of the Sun,” is the work of Ethiopian-American artist and activist Julie Mehretu.

The artwork is a vibrant series of 35 abstract, painted glass panels and is inspired by former President Barack Obama's remarks at the 50th anniversary of the marches from Selma to Montgomery.

Mehretu said the piece is her first work in glass and aims to “honor Chicago’s history and President Obama’s legacy by telling a story about how change happens.”

She added that the work was made from her memories of Chicago, which is where Mehretu fell in love with painting.

Crews work to install one of 35 stained glass panels for “Uprising of the Sun.”
Crews work to install one of 35 stained glass panels for “Uprising of the Sun.” Photo credit The Obama Foundation
Crews work to install one of 35 stained glass panels for “Uprising of the Sun.”
Photo credit The Obama Foundation
Crews work to install one of 35 stained glass panels for “Uprising of the Sun.”
Photo credit The Obama Foundation
Crews work to install one of 35 stained glass panels for “Uprising of the Sun.”
“Uprising of the Sun,” as seen from inside the future Obama Presidential Center Museum Building. Photo credit The Obama Foundation
Artist Julie Mehretu tours the Obama Presidential Center site during the installation of her commissioned artwork, an 83-foot-tall painted glass window titled "Uprising of the Sun."
Artist Julie Mehretu tours the Obama Presidential Center site during the installation of her commissioned artwork, an 83-foot-tall painted glass window titled "Uprising of the Sun." Photo credit The Obama Foundation

Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok

Featured Image Photo Credit: Obama Foundation