This mural, titled “Collective Consciousness,” celebrates the important relationship between our naturalistic history and technological advances aimed to preserve our environment. The portrait is a collage of elements from nature and science: native flowers, historically-cultivated plants, and a young deer blend seamlessly with molecular structures and technological symbols. Visually filled with pieces of history, the figure symbolically carries the essential, ancestral knowledge of nature from the lower Scioto Valley region. Her gaze is forward, representing Columbus’ progressive stance on science and technology and its smart-city status. Her message is one of interconnection: we must look both to our roots and to scientific advancement to preserve our natural environment.
The natural components include flowers native to the area, such as blue-eyed grass and purple coneflower. A custom botanical pattern is composed of indigionous plants that were historically cultivated by Hopewell tribes along the lower Scioto River Valley, including goosefoot and marsh elder. Lastly, the deer references the name “Scioto” itself, from the Iroquoian-speaking Wyandot tribe’s word for “deer.”
The graphic imagery consists of chemical diagrams, abstract shapes, and computer chip icons. The molecular structure design depicts Betalain, a rare fuchsia-like pigment found in the native goosefoot elder. The fuschia color itself is used throughout the design.
These visual connections between the delicate drawing of goosefoot and the graphic design of its chemical structure reflect the relationship between the natural and scientific world. This connection is essential to the success of our city’s smart outlook. The mural’s proximity to COSI deepens the relevance of the mural’s message, as the center also emphasizes botanical engagement with science and technology. Looking boldly forward, and carrying ingredients of both our past and future, this portrait addresses the reliance between history and progress in our community.