Truth Matters: A mural that says it straight

Truth Matters Mural (Illustration by: Emma Fick)

On Press Street, near the corner of Burgundy, is a piece of graffiti art that shows relevance of the past that still holds true to present day. The name of the art is “Truth Matters, and it represents speaking up against racism and speaking the truth of what is wrong and right in America.

Although the bright colors and geometric shapes harken to modern times, there is a timeless quality to this piece that focuses on how people had to (and continue to) rise up against racism, hate, and fear. In the art there is a bullhorn because for change to happen, we can’t just speak; we must speak out to have our voices hear. The speaker in the mural is also wearing an umbrella hat, possibly commenting on the various storms one must endure when they are speaking the truth. And all of these materials are still needed today, considering that issues of racism and hate have not been cured for our society.

It seems that more and more people are starting to speak out about issues that range from same-sex marriage and police brutality to racism and sexual misconduct.  

This mural looks the age-old adage of “Ignorance is bliss” directly in the face and not only disagrees with that phrase, but asks the viewer to disagree with it. With this art piece being on the street for drivers, bikers, tourists, residents, and all pedestrians to see — rather than tucked in a museum that requires money in exchange for culture and thought — many people call this work graffitti. As I researched the piece, I couldn’t find the artist, who possibly doesn’t want to be found because of the legal implications of creating art on the side of a building. Some people call this vandalism, but how can a piece of art that asks us to speak up for the truth be the vandal? It’s the other way around. Those trying to keep mouths shut and keep buildings free from expression are the one vandalizing our city.