Running head: Rhetorical Analysis of A Mural 1

Rhetorical Analysis of A Mural

Eli Cummings

Arizona State University

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The water life mural located directly behind Taylor Place on the side of the

youth theatre is truly eye-catching. This 2,500-square-foot mural depicts the many

literal and symbolic ways water interacts with Arizona. The landscape changes

while your eyes follow it as if it were a book. The climax of the mural would be

the mother caring for children in her womb.

If you analyze the earth tones and plants in the mural they are not actually a

solid texture. They are composed of geometric textures that drive from Native

American art. This makes sense considering that the mural is located in Arizona, a

state with a high Native American population, and that the Black Mesa Water

Coalition was founded by Native Americans.

It seems clear that the artists dominantly rely on pathos, given that in the

center of the mural and the center of the story the mural tells is a mother. This

establishes a connection with all viewers because everyone has a mother. The

mural connects a desire to care for water as if you would your mother because just

like your mom water provides life.

The mural was commissioned by the Black Mesa Water Coalition and the

Estria Foundation as part of Water Writes, a collection of murals in ten cities

worldwide to spread awareness of water conservation. The fact that this mural was
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commissioned by the Black Mesa Water Coalition adds a sense of credibility.

Furthermore, it adds the rhetorical element ethos because the coalition is dedicated

to solving the problem of water depletion. The organization was also founded in

Arizona which is another way the mural connects to its audience.

The mural is full of snapshots that symbolize aspects of Arizona starting

from the left is a hose with water flowing out of it right above a bunch of plants

representing how water in the form of irrigation allows Arizona to have successful

agriculture. Next, you see a river flowing with industry in the background to show

factories need for water. Then there is a mine and a car connected by a body of

water. Then directly in the middle of the mural is the largest and most important

symbols because it summarizes the meaning of the other images. The mother

represents water and the babies in her womb represent all the citizens of Arizona. It

compares the life that a mother gives her children to the living water gives

Arizona. To the right of the mother, you see sheep, solar panels, and windmills

representing the states need for water for energy and livestock. All these symbols

have something in common. We rely on all these things that require water.

Jeff Slim a local artist sketched out the mural before him and other phoenix

painted it on the youth theatre. The fact that the mural was made by the local artist
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is suggestive that the piece was meant for locals and that it was for the betterment

of the community.
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References

Garbacz​, K ​. (2013).New mural brings attention to water issues, launches DPP

space activation project. A List Apart: For People Who Make Websites.
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