A collaboration between ArtWorks and the Cincinnati Art Museum, Commons is the first outdoor mural by internationally acclaimed Pakistani and American artist Shahzia Sikander, whose work reimagines historic South Asian art forms through a contemporary lens, blending themes of identity, feminism, and transformation.
Standing 67ft tall, this mural bridges fine art and public art, celebrating the power of creativity to connect and inspire. Sikander’s design was brought to life by a team of 20 ArtWorks Youth Apprentices and 3 Teaching Artists, who had the rare opportunity to translate the vision of a globally recognized fine artist to a monumental scale with world-class execution.
Commons stands as a symbol of cultural exchange and artistic excellence, reflecting the city’s commitment to empowering the next generation of creatives through hands-on experience and mentorship as they shape the future of public art.
Apprentices
Tori Beck Borden, Mimi Cappel, AJ Domelle, Kiera Fisher, Miles Frisch, Sophia Hsu, Leah Kubitz, Dani Lee, Hal Loomis, Elise Overstake, Keyla Roblero, Alexander Sikander, Hez Sumner, Ibsaa Tewodros, Aisha Toure, Violet Underhill, Cassie Jackson, Lisa Ghising, Estrella Soriano, Immy Dubarry
Mural Generously Funded By
Hamilton County, Skyler Foundation, Haile Foundation, Merus Foundation, Cincinnati Asian Arts Society, Johnson Foundation
Additional Support from
Jens Rosenkrantz Jr & M. Katherine Hurley, Lauren & Tom Shafer, Kelly & Guy Vanasse, Liz Grubow & Jerry Kathman, Sara & Michelle Vance Waddell, JoLynn & Byron Gustin, Lucy Haverland Joffe & Craig Joffe, Peg Rhein and Stu Golder, Joan and Simon Mudronja, Julie & Abhijit Desai, Helen & Steve Rindsberg
Project Manager
- Josh McGrew
Meet the Artist
