Two Tony Fitzpatrick murals grace my suburb in Glen Ellyn, IL.
Installed in 2021, I’ve regularly visited these murals after dropping off my daughter at school. These are my Swarm checkins of the mural.
I’m writing letters on foil. I’ve found it’s fun to write the letter in a particular location, and have it reflect in the letter. Literally, reflect. This mural is an obvious choice for an interesting location. Fitzpatrick did these murals with his trademark collage style, so there are many subjects to choose from. Since Fitzpatrick passed away last year, the skulls and butterflies carry extra meaning.
And the letter itself speaks to his mortality. While I was writing this letter, his artwork was reflected in the moment. But when the recipient reads this letter, those reflections won’t be there anymore. Here for a moment, and then gone.
It’s especially poignant that I’m writing this letter the day before the 25th anniversary of September 11th. Memories of life and death. Lots of reflecting.
Tammy,
This letter is made in reflection of Tony Fitzpatrick, a Chicago artist whose murals are in my neighborhood. He passed away last year, so now these murals carry a bit more weight. Right now skulls and butterflies are reflecting in the surface of this letter…
In this image, I like how my fluorescent bicycling vest reflects on the right edge of the clipboard.
Shine on,
Matt
