Mural art is a powerful medium for social expression. Colorado artist Jessica Moon expresses her social identity, environmental awareness and community empowerment through her unique murals.

Moon, a Nederland, Colorado-based artist, first became interested in art when she was five —  thanks to her mother who introduced a variety of artistic mediums. Many years later, graduating from the University of Colorado Boulder, she found that her passion came from elsewhere.

“I pursued a different academic path while enrolling in as many art courses as I could, often opting for evening classes to accommodate my passion,” Moon said.

After graduation, Moon joined the Peace Corps, where she was dispatched to Mongolia to teach English. She also worked with the United Nations on the Mongolia Biodiversity Project, focusing on the protection of endangered species.

“The time spent in Mongolia was a profound and transformative chapter in my life, fueling my passion for both art and environmental conservation,” she said.

After her time in Mongolia, Moon created a series of art pieces focused on endangered animals.

“I decided to showcase my artwork at the Boulder Creek Festival, where I set up a booth to sell my paintings,” Moon said. “The response exceeded my expectations. I virtually sold out of my artwork. This provided the confidence I needed to pursue a career as an artist.”

In 2022, Moon created a mural titled, “Climate Change Revealed” for the Outside Magazine Building in Boulder.

“The work illuminates the impact of rising temperatures and human interventions on the Boulder environment, conveying a powerful message about the urgency of addressing climate change,” Moon said.

The mural includes global temperature data spanning from the 1850s to the present. The artist made each vertical inch of the mural a representation of the average temperature for the corresponding year.

“As time progresses, the color palette of the stripes transitions from dark to light blue and then shifts to dark red, visually symbolizing the relentless rise in temperatures and the warming of our planet,” Moon said.

Moon included a painting of Chief Niwot, a notable leader of the Southern Arapaho people who once inhabited the Front Range and spent winters in the Boulder Valley.

“Legend has it that Chief Niwot voiced a foreboding proclamation upon encountering the first white settlers in the area,”she said. According to Moon, Chief Niwot predicted that people seeing the beauty of the valley would want to stay, and their staying would be the undoing of the beauty. Moon explained how this historical reference added great value to the mural. She said it serves as a reminder of the consequences of urban development and the loss of natural resources and habitations, which has impacted various animal species and marginalized Indigenous communities in the Boulder region.

“It is imperative that we acknowledge and engage with Indigenous voices and communities as we collectively strive to combat climate change and unearth sustainable solutions,” Moon said.

The Effect of Identity in Art 

Moon comes from a diverse social and cultural background, with a unique blend of Latina, Palestinian, Irish, Lithuanian and Polish roots. Her mother immigrated to the United States from Nicaragua, and her mother’s ancestors immigrated to El Salvador from Palestine and Egypt. The last name Moon has Jewish origins, but the artist does not consider herself to be Jewish.

“This diverse heritage has given me a unique perspective and a profound appreciation for the multifaceted tapestry of human culture,” Moon said. “It has inspired me to explore various themes, narratives, and artistic influences in my work, drawing from the richness of each of these cultural threads.”

Moon views her art as a form of social activism that transcends specific social identity groups.

“In my perspective, it serves as a call to action for all individuals, encouraging a broader awareness and active participation in the pursuit of a more sustainable and harmonious environment for humans, plants, and animals alike,” Moon said.

Moon seeks input and collaboration from community members.

“I believe it’s vital to ensure that the portrayal is accurate and respectful,” she said. “This collective approach not only enhances the creative process but also fosters a sense of shared ownership and diverse perspectives that enrich the final artwork.”

More information about artist Jessica Moon can be found on her website, https://www.jessicamoonart.com/.