HOUSE OF MEGGS announces the completion of ‘Rise Up,’ David ‘MEGGS’ Hooke’s largest solo mural to date. At over 6,000 square feet, it towers over the eastern section of Detroit’s Russell industrial district and serves as an iconic symbol of the city’s ups and downs. The mural, which features an image of a tiger and the text ‘Rise Up,’ reveals a constant symbol of hope and strength that the city can identify with as it moves into a new era of change and regrowth.<!–more–>
“I hoped to convey the energy and momentum of self-empowerment and moving forward. The tiger is a symbol that all Detroiters relate to and feel proud ownership of – it’s a symbol that’s born from Detroit’s glory days and one that survived its unfortunate downfall,” MEGGS explains.
Ironically, the mural commenced a week after Mayor Mike Duggan announced a controversial crackdown on graffiti, forcing the city to fine numerous business owners who had actually commissioned artists to paint murals on their buildings. MEGGS faced logistical hurdles and numerous encounters with police and city workers, but the response was overwhelmingly positive and he was allowed to proceed and complete the largest wall in his street art career.
Images courtesy of Sal Rodriguez and video courtesy of David Meggs
Richelle Sibolboro 