Uprising of the Sun

The artwork

Uprising of the Sun marks Julie Mehretu’s first major work in glass, bringing the artist’s signature layered approach to a new scale and medium. Spanning 35 panels and stretching more than eight stories, the installation combines painted marks, digital imagery, and abstract forms inspired by histories of struggle, resilience, and transformation. As sunlight moves through the glass, the artwork shifts, creating an experience that connects the Museum, the city, and the ongoing work of building a more hopeful future.

With gratitude to Sean and Alexandra Parker for their support of The Obama Foundation.

Location: Museum | Exterior of the Museum

The artist

Julie Mehretu is an abstract painter and printmaker known for large-scale works built through layered marks, architectural references, and gestures. Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, she moved to the United States as a child and later developed a practice that brings together drawing, painting, and printmaking. Mehretu has received numerous honors, including a MacArthur Fellowship and the U.S. Department of State Medal of Arts, awarded during the Obama administration.