Prairie Fire (detail)

“Prairie fires replenished nutrients to the soil encouraging new growth.This ecological fact echoes Chicago’s history which owes so much of its identity to the reconstruction that took place after the great fire and the innovation of the steel frame skyscraper. The curtain is a nod to Chicago’s thriving and dynamic theater scene. It also helps place the wildfire in the context of a drama or metaphor. The mural is an alleyway and meant to be viewed sequentially by pedestrian residents (unfortunately this also makes it impossible to document in its entirety).”