Mountain Kites

Ann Northrup

Philadelphia, PA

For my contribution to the Windows and Mirrors mural exhibition, I wanted to make a painting that looked to a past where human aspiration was possible, and to a peaceful future where children can play.  I feel that it is hard for many who have comfortable lives to identify with people trapped in a war situation and see them as "just like me." I wanted to show the beautiful Afghanistan that still survives the violent incursions of war, and show ordinary Americans  that here is life and value that must be respected and loved.  I wanted an image that people could identify with, a child that they could fall in love with and that they would want to cherish and protect.

Read an interview with Ann about her involvement with Windows and Mirrors.

Biography:  

Ann Northrup is a painter and rower with an MFA from Boston University.  She has painted eight large-scale outdoor public murals since 2001.  In addition to her work as a mural designer and teacher at Mural Arts Program of Philadelphia, she teaches drawing and design at Philadelphia University.