Massachusetts: "Black Madonna" finds space in downtown

THE DAILY ITEMBy
Artists Julia Roth or “Julz,” left, and Cedric “Vise1” Douglas have made a lot of progress on their mural on Munroe Street in downtown Lynn. Image courtesy of Spenser Hasak
LYNN, MA---One of Cedric Douglas’ first attempts at public art ended with an arrest after his efforts to beautify the neighborhood basketball court backfired. More than 20 years later, the tables have turned for Douglas whose work now appears in Boston, legally, of course. Douglas or “Vise1” and his painting partner Julia Roth or “Julz,” are erecting a Black Madonna on the courtyard wall at 114-120 Munroe St., as part of the 10-day mural festival transforming the downtown through public art. His portrait, which he calls “The Black Madonna,” with its Afrofuturism style signifies something spiritual. “It’s spiritual, but you don’t have to be religious to believe it,” he said. “Just her presence is spiritual.” [More]