The bridge that links the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation and the Learning Resource Commons at North Campus has received a splash of colour thanks to a new mural with an uplifting message.

The Success of Unity by Toronto artist Phillip Saunders is an initiative of the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging and Humber Galleries and is part of the Campus as a Canvas mural series.

The digital illustration mural is dedicated to Black Heritage 365 at Humber.

Kimberly Daniels, manager, Student Inclusion and Belonging, said the mural aligns with the Black Heritage 365 Committee’s goals of celebrating Black excellence and Black joy. Daniels said the mural embodies those goals.

“This mural is a really beautiful way to pay tribute to the ways that the Black community contributes to Humber,” said Daniels.

In the artist statement that accompanies the piece, Saunders says the mural is comprised of seven vignettes that were inspired by moments in the timeline of success. The first wall features family structures rooted in unity and love that foster healthy foundations while the second, larger wall highlights the fruits of a strong foundation and the value of education. On this wall, the student body of Humber is seen in various fields of interest ranging from science to sports.

“The inspiration behind the mural is love, family and education,” writes Saunders. “This work takes a traditional approach to what I believe are the pillars to success, which are strong, loving family support and the value of a good education in order to fulfill passions, dreams and desires.”

Casey Norris, project lead with Humber Galleries and the Centre for Creative Business Innovation, said the mural is an excellent example of how the Campus at a Canvas initiative can take a previously unused space and invigorate it with a splash of colour and creativity. Visible from the outdoors thanks to the bridge’s glass windows, the mural is a visual way to foster a sense of representation and belonging with students.

The use of pastels is evocative of stained glass and Norris said some staff thought that’s exactly what it was at first glance. What were previously flat white walls are now bursting with vibrancy.

“This mural has really changed that space and it makes you slow down to take it in as you walk past,” said Norris.  

Daniels said Saunders’ use of bright colours creates a sense of joy and euphoria and his emphasis on love and community in his art felt like a perfect match for what Humber wanted to achieve with the mural.