INHERITANCE
PORTLAND, OREGON
In Spring of 2022, Portland muralists Alex Chiu and Jeremy Nichols took their skills to new heights – Eleven stories to be exact! After over a year of planning with PSAA, the tenant, and property owner, Chiu and Nichols spent 10 days towering above the city to create their new stunning mural, “Inheritance.” This landmark mural in downtown Portland is PSAA’s tallest mural to-date.
Inheritance at the corner of SW 2nd and Salmon
With its location at the very top of the building, the mural required training and certification on swing stage scaffolding for both artists. As part of the mission of Portland Street Art Alliance, we aim to create opportunities for artists in the Pacific Northwest to continue to grow their skill sets. With this project, PSAA was thrilled to help Alex and Jeremy take the next steps in their already amazing muralist careers.
“This is the first time I’ve ever worked so high up by far,” said Chiu after his first day on the scaffolds, “The craziest part of the process was stepping over the railing into the scaffold for the first time at a hundred feet up and being told to start painting.”
Artists Jeremy Nichols and Alex Chiu
The piece's title ‘Inheritance’ defines the visual story. At the base of the mural are the hands of an elder placing a bowl in the hands of a child – illustrating the passing on of knowledge and a more sustainable, nourishing and bountiful world for future generations. The bowl is a metaphorical heirloom, brimming with lively symbols of the Pacific Northwest, including ferns, Oregon Grape blossoms, a pinecone, raspberries, blackberries and trillium flowers – all topped with a perfectly perched bluebird. After all, this is Portland, and we love to put birds on things! In the background, three monarch butterflies flutter through the air with Douglas Fir trees framing a silhouetted Mt. Hood – symbolizing home, regional familiarity, and nature.
“This mural was not only an amazing opportunity, it was truly an absolute blast to paint with Alex again. This was our first time working so high up, which I think only added to the fun experience. I am honored to have worked on this project, and to add a little color and life to the city of Portland for everyone to enjoy.” – Jeremy Nichols
“The theme of inheritance is one that has become important to me as the father of young children, and something that I reflect upon as my parents grow older. For me, the mural is a hopeful depiction of the relationship between the older and younger generations. We become who we are because of the elders, mentors, and teachers in our lives. It eventually becomes our responsibility to pass down our legacy to the next generation. The mural is also a celebration of the beauty of life in the Pacific Northwest.” – Alex Chiu
Inheritance is 11 stories up and can be seen from many vantage points across Portland.
Located at 250 SW Taylor St (at the corner of SW 2nd & Salmon), this massive 52' x 50’ piece of art looks like it’s floating in the sky – providing our beautiful skyline with a locally-made artistic gem to be enjoyed by future generations.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Photography: Sara Sjol, Tiffany Conklin, Alex Chiu and Jeremy Nichols for PSAA.