Butler College Mural: ‘Multiple Layers of Princeton’s History’

The face of professor emerita Toni Morrison emerges from images of James Madison 1771 and John Witherspoon. Others portrayed amid campus scenes are Sonia Sotomayor ’76; Woodrow Wilson 1879; Michelle Obama ’85; and writer Jhumpa Lahiri, a Princeton professor.

Photo: Ricardo Barros

By Allie Wenner

Published April 22, 2018

1 min read

Artist Will Kasso is known for his portraits and aerosol-based murals.

Photo: Ricardo Barros

A 40-foot mural on the lower level of Butler College provides an opportunity to “reflect on the multiple layers of Princeton’s history, progress, current climate, and future directions,” says Trenton-based street artist Will Kasso, who led the painting project over spring break. In discussions with students about the University’s past and the kinds of identities represented on campus, themes for the mural developed: prominent women of color surfacing from the split images of white men, the bursting of the “orange bubble,” and fists rising up and breaking their shackles. More than a dozen students, faculty, and staff painted the mural over four days. The Campus Iconography Committee is encouraging projects that reflect and connect with an increasingly diverse campus.


Princeton.edu video: Painting Princeton

Painting Princeton: Community mural highlights history, celebrates change from Princeton University on Vimeo.

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