Mural Title:
Be The Light
Date of Completion:
November 2020
Mural Location:
Lincoln Parking Garage, located at East Lincoln St and North Pearl St in the Short North, Columbus, Ohio
Artist Statement:
Be The Light is a mural installation features the hopeful message of a quote attributed to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a minister and activist who became the iconic leader in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. This quote from one of his most famous sermons, Loving Your Enemies, Delivered at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, on November 17, 1957.
Project Description:
This mural was created in partnership with the community organization The Short North Arts District in Columbus, Ohio. Be The Light was made possible with support from The Wood Companies, the Short North Civic Association, the Short North Foundation, the Italian Village Society, the Greater Columbus Arts Council, and the Short North Alliance Art Fund. The Short North Arts District welcomed this new public art project on the Lincoln Parking Garage, located at East Lincoln St and North Pearl St in Columbus’ Short North Arts District. Local artist Adam Hernandez created the permanent mural, marking the 14th new public art piece in the Short North Arts District in 2020.
Hernandez believes in the power of murals to inspire and connect people in a community. The Be The Light mural, located in a highly-trafficked area in the neighborhood, features a hopeful message from Martin Luther King Jr.: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
Yohannan Terrel, chair of the Short North Alliance Public Art Committee stated, "This country needs light and love right now to drive out the hate and darkness that is creating so much disruption in our lives. This mural provides a constant reminder from a leader who's message resonates just as strong today as it did back then.”
The Columbus-based artist was recently named the Best Artist in Columbus by Columbus Alive and is also a featured artist in the Short North Arts District’s Unconventional Mural series. Hernandez was born and raised in the Bronx, where as a kid, the graffiti covering every surface of his city spoke to him. Hernandez is self taught, and has exhibited work and painted murals in cities across the U.S. and internationally in Cape Town, South Africa.
About the Artist:
Adam Hernandez is a Columbus, Ohio based mural artist with experience creating public art. As a muralist, Adam has worked with development groups and community organizations, such as The Short North Arts District, to create custom murals that are both vibrant and engaging. In the development of this mural, Adam created a vibrant, meaningful piece of public art in partnership with the Short North Arts District and community stakeholders.
As a professional artist, Adam has created numerous public art murals that have transformed the streets of American cities such as Columbus, Ohio, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and Nashville, Tennessee. Adam’s work as a street artist has garnered him a reputation as a talented muralist. Whether Adam is working on a large-scale mural or a small-scale commission, Adam's attention to detail and passion for his craft shines through in every project he undertakes.
In short, Adam Hernandez is a midwest based mural artist who is making waves in the world of public art. His ability to work with community organizations and create public art is a testament to his talent and dedication. Whether you are looking for a custom mural or a public art installation, Adam is the muralist to call.