Vibrant Colors and Hidden History: Spotlight on Aziza Andre’s RENASCENT Mural

Near the stretch of gravel that will soon become the Beltline Southeast Trail, an explosion of color transforms a building's facade. Vibrant hues of pink, yellow, and orange paint a dramatic sky over rugged mountain peaks. Against this backdrop, bold figures come to life across two striking murals: one of riders on horseback, the other of women beside a horse. These vivid scenes, rich with color and movement, are RENASCENT– a new mural series by artist Aziza Andre. 

RENASCENT aims to highlight the contributions and unyielding spirit of Black cowboys, an often-overlooked part of American history, while also celebrating the vital role of women in agriculture and their enduring connection with horses. Andre's inspiration came from unexpected places. "I watched 'The Harder They Fall,' and loved that movie," she shares. "Then I was doing research on Black cowboys in the South, and I realized it felt like a lost part of our history." Andre felt compelled to honor this aspect of American heritage. "When I think of a cowboy, it's a very specific image," she explains. "And it doesn't look like me or someone I know." Through RENASCENT, Andre seeks to change that narrative and bring these untold stories to light. 

Born in Manhattan and raised in Queens, Andre grew up surrounded by art, thanks to her father's work at Marvel Comics. "Growing up, he read me comics and drew with me," she recalls. This early exposure sparked a love for visual storytelling. Andre went on to study sequential art at the Academy of Art University and illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design.  

Creating the mural was a journey of exploration for Andre. Balancing a full-time teaching job at a Montessori school, she worked on sketches during her breaks. One of her students, who loved using bright colors, inspired her to embrace a pop-art style. "I wanted it to be fun," she explains. "I wanted to play around with it and use very vibrant, in-your-face, bright, loud colors."  

For Andre, it was also important to connect the past with the present through her work. This connection became even more meaningful as the community became involved in the mural's creation. Andre recalls interacting with neighbors and passersby during the process: "They were special," she reminisces. "Getting to talk with them about the mural, especially while it was work in progress, was really fun." One particularly touching moment stood out – a young boy, whose mother she had spoken with earlier, gifted her a piece of old railroad metal. This gesture reinforced her belief in art as a powerful bridge, linking history with the present and weaving together the stories of those who interact with it. 

Andre hopes that RENASCENT will leave a positive impression on viewers. "I hope people feel the energy of the mural and feel good about it," she says. So next time you’re on the Beltline’s Southeast Trail, take a moment to appreciate RENASCENT. Aziza Andre’s mural is not just a work of art but a celebration of history, community, and creativity.