His Breath, Her Voice
1 media/15-1429.jpg 2021-04-05T20:24:03-07:00 Curtis Fletcher 3225f3b99ebb95ebd811595627293f68f680673e 38706 3 To Ree-nee Wolf KeiserBoyle Heights
1999 plain 2021-05-18T14:49:19-07:00 USC Digital Library 1999 (Artist) Keiser, To Ree-Nee 34.047753,-118.226071 Dunitz, Robin J. Curtis Fletcher 3225f3b99ebb95ebd811595627293f68f680673e
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His Breath, Her Voice, Our Words
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To Ree-nee Wolf Keiser
Boyle Heights
1999 plain 2021-05-18T15:57:02-07:00 1999 34.047753,-118.226071 To Ree-nee Wolf Keiser’s Mural, His Breath, Her Voice, Our Words unveiled in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles showcases a community of people collectively coming together. This mural is positioned on 1315 East 1st Street, outside of Plaza Community Childcare Observation Center. When looking at the mural, one is immediately drawn to the cross in the middle under the A frame of the building. The female figures at the top of the building showcase the importance and the role of women in the community. These three racially ambiguous women appear to look out at the viewer and wear different headpieces, one of which is Egyptian. These ornaments illustrate achievement, bravery and importance. This mural was painted on the front of a community center, where Black and LatinX children learn and play. The Black and brown children who play at this childcare center are able to see themselves and their ancestries. Keiser paints children as the future leaders of the city through displaying Black and Latinx children as astronauts, artists and cultural leaders. Through this imagery the children are able to imagine the possibilities for themselves. Moreover, the bright colors used throughout this mural inspire imagination, happiness, and confidence.
Keiser uses her work to unify the community. At the top of the mural, one sees a dove placing a flower around the cross. The dove symbolizes hope and peace in a predominately Catholic community that trusts in religion. The figure of the woman on the left is surrounded by paint brushes, pencils and other school (or art) supplies, thus suggesting the significance of children’s education and imagination. The yin and yang symbol in the upper left-hand corner has deep rooted meaning in Chinese culture. The symbol shows the contrast in opposing forces but draws attention to the necessary balance. The mural promotes the idea of unity across races and allows a viewer to see themself in the mural while also placing special importance on women as community leaders.
Written by Sy’Naeh Shell, c/o ‘24
