Art Commissions in the Spotlight
Title
EMPOW3R
Artist
Jayvn Solomon
Client
Block, Inc.
About the Artwork
“This mural honors the legacy and capacity of the newspaper industry, financial opportunity, and technological advancement.
The development of technology over time has influenced both the newspaper industry as well as economic empowerment.
With nearly no limitations and the capacity for genius to come from any walk of life, technology—in a sense—is our universal language and marker for all forms of progress and empowerment.”
—Jayvn Solomon
Mural Inspiration
Newspaper Legacy
Historically, the newspaper industry has been a powerhouse and a well-known innovator for centuries, empowering others with information and jobs and ultimately sparking change in various ways.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch article about Olympic champion Jesse Owens
Flag of St. Louis
Economic Empowerment
Block’s purpose is economic empowerment. The company believes it is critical to increase access to the financial system and tools. The dollar bill and fist are symbols of this concept.
Dollar bill
Fist: A symbol of empowerment
Technological Advancement
The development of technology over time has influenced both the newspaper industry as well as economic empowerment. With nearly no limitations and the capacity for genius to come from any walk of life, technology, in a sense, is our universal language and marker for all forms of progress and empowerment.
Hexagons: A basic shape representing life, development, and innovation
Galaxy: Representative of the literal and metaphorical limits of technology
Color Palette
The Result
About the Artist
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Jayvn Solomon is an interdisciplinary designer. Through community and brand collaborations he strives to create forward-thinking, equitable, sustainable work and experiences.
Beginning with a BFA in Graphic Design, Jayvn’s professional expertise developed into that of an experiential and environmental designer, creating for physical spaces, exhibits, and branded experiences from storyboard to installation. Throughout this work, he has developed many interests and technical skills and uses them to inform how to approach a challenge where creativity is required.
Jayvn explains, “Though our society faces many challenges both locally and globally, there is no doubt in my mind that we will design a future where everyone can thrive. My work resides on a spectrum between story, impact, progress, and connection. I use my tools and knowledge in an attempt to answer tough questions, tackle challenges, and spark solutions. There are times when that manifests in the form of working with a brand or business on a mural or an animation. Other times, it is a complex project that takes on specific, nuanced challenges. No matter the project, my process is rooted in understanding nuance, pushing the limit of what progress looks like, environmental sustainability, and social equity.”