New mural paying tribute to Frankie Knuckles unveiled in Chicago
The artwork, ‘Under One Roof’, also honours the iconic house music label, Gherkin Records, which used to sit opposite the Chicago Public Library
A new mural paying tribute to the late Frankie Knuckles was unveiled at the Uptown branch of the Chicago Public Library on Saturday September 28.
The public artwork, titled Under One Roof, is also dedicated to the iconic house music label Gherkin Records (which used to sit across the street from the library at 916 W. Buena), and celebrates the diversity of the Uptown and Buena Park neighbourhoods.
Painted by the Chicago-based artist Max Sansing, the mural was funded by the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and managed by Chicago Public Art Group, 5 Mag reports.
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The event saw Sansing unveiling his mural between 11:AM and 12:30:PM, while DJ Purple provided music and Frederick Dunson of the Frankie Knuckles Foundation attended.
Originally from New York, Knuckles is a name that has become synonymous with house music and its creation. As resident DJ at the seminal Chicago nightclub, The Warehouse, the producer was instrumental in pioneering a new style of DJing that paved the way for the first ever house tracks to be put to record.
He, along with Larry Heard, Ron Trent, and Lil Louis released music via the Chicago imprint Gherkin Records. Opening its doors in 1987 and closing in 1991, the label left an indelible mark on the history of dance music in just four short years – a testament to its prestigious roster of producers and successful output of music.
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Knuckles passed away in 2014 due to health complications, leaving behind a legacy that is now being honoured by the mural.
But this is not the first public artwork dedicated to the revered musician. Last year, in an incident that sparked much anger and dismay, a Frankie Knuckles mural located in Chicago's West Loop neighbourhood was defaced by vandals. The artwork, which was part of a street gallery called The B_Line, was painted over with brown paint alongside another mural of the late Chicago rapper Juice WRLD.
According to the street gallery’s curator, Levar Hoard, the vandalism was "racially motivated”.
With the new mural unveiled, the musician is once again rightfully honoured as one of the city's most influential artists.
Meena Sears is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Instagram