Artwork copyright Henry Luke. The artist Henry Luke with their artwork. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2022.

Artwork copyright Henry Luke. The artist Henry Luke with their artwork and student models. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2022.

Artwork copyright Henry Luke. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2021 (proposal image).

The Name of Our World, 2022

Henry Luke
(American)

Location: Glacier Middle School, Burien

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

The Name of Our World by Henry Luke explores themes of culture and identity. Luke set up classroom visits and "meet the artist" sessions at Glacier Middle School in Burien to better understand the community and what they wanted in the mural. Luke notes that Glacier Middle School "is a space where students are encouraged to express themselves and understand who they are and what they believe in... they are forming their identity and deciding what kind of person they want to be."

The mural features large portraits of students from photos they submitted and from the school archives. The students look powerful and active. The words surrounding them represent the students' many cultures. They were suggested by students who are native speakers, and they feature uplifting words or iconic sayings from that culture.

Phrase translations:
Makibaka, huwag matakot. --> Struggle, do not be afraid. (Tagalog)
(special characters) --> Peace be upon you. (Arabic)
(special characters) --> When eating a fruit, think of the person who planted the tree. (Vietnamese)
Dhiiga kuma dhaqaaqo? --> Does your blood not move? (Somali)
Black Lives Matter
(special characters) --> Dare to struggle, dare to win. (Simplified Chinese)
El pueblo unido jamás será vencido. --> The people united will never be defeated. (Spanish)

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Highline School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Henry Luke is a painter, muralist, and community organizer raised their entire life in occupied Duwamish land known as Seattle. The development of their art practice paralleled their increasing commitment to social movements, especially in the Chinese and Filipino communities struggling for liberation. They believe that their art contributes to the collective process of revolution.