Artwork copyright Mihail Tyutyunik. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2024.

Artwork copyright Mihail Tyutyunik. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2024.

Artwork copyright Mihail Tyutyunik. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2024.

Legacy, Land & Future, 2024

Mihail Tyutyunik
(Ukrainian, born 1984)

Location: Shaw Middle School, Spokane

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Legacy, Land & Future by Misha Tyutyunik represents the students, the school, and the diversity and cultures of their community at Shaw Middle School in Spokane, Eastern Washington. The painting also encapsulates the history, legacy, the land, and the future dreams of the people that live and have lived there.

In the upper left, a contemporary Spokane Indigenous youth looks into the distance, acknowledging the local Indigenous peoples and assuring that they are very present in the school and community. A steam engine locomotive and smokestacks represent the neighborhood’s long working class history. Birds and stars symbolize the hopes and dreams of the local students and community. Various symbols represent their diversity. Students hold an open book symbolizing knowledge and wisdom, and a teacher leads the way to a thriving community. The Spokane River is also featured, with a Viking boat to represent the area’s immigrants. A turtle on the boat’s sail represents the local Pacific Islander community, as well as longevity, strength, and protection. The painting’s design flows and leads the eye around the imagery. It is all interconnected, just like the school’s community.

Misha Tyutyunik transferred the painting’s design onto four plywood panels using a projector. The basic shapes were painted with the help of Shaw Middle School students. Tyutyunik refined some of the painting and shapes, added finer details, and then cut out each panel using a jigsaw.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Spokane Public Schools.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Misha Tyutyunik is a Ukrainian-born artist based out of Brooklyn, New York, working in a variety of mediums. He creates public art with communities locally and abroad. He is also regularly commissioned to paint and illustrate for collectors, brands, and publications.