By Texas Southern University Unveils Murals Honoring the Legacy of John Biggers
Two new murals celebrating the art and vision of legendary Houston artist, philosopher, and educator John Biggers have been unveiled at Texas Southern University (TSU), adding to the city’s rich cultural landscape. The murals, created by talented street artists and curated by Street Art for Mankind, are replicas of some of Biggers’ most influential works and are designed to raise awareness of his contributions to art, education, and cultural history.
Honoring a Visionary Artist
Dr. Alvia Wardlaw, Director of the University Museum at Texas Southern University, longtime colleague of Biggers, and a leading expert in African American art, emphasized his profound influence:
“John Biggers’ art is the heartbeat of Texas Southern University and the city of Houston. His vision helped shape a generation of artists and thinkers, weaving African heritage, African American experience, and universal human truths into every brushstroke. These murals are more than images—they are living testaments to his legacy, inspiring all of us to see ourselves as part of a larger story of unity, resilience, and creativity.”
Biggers, who was based in Houston, earned international acclaim for his social realist murals and symbolic paintings, many of which were inspired by his transformative travels to Africa beginning with a UNESCO fellowship in 1957. These experiences shaped his artistic philosophy, emphasizing themes of unity, perseverance, African heritage, and the creative power of women.
“We are deeply honored to have the opportunity to share with the world the beauty and complexity of John Biggers’ masterpieces—especially in the very place where he mentored and inspired so many young artists. With these two new murals, ‘Jubilee’ and ‘Quilting Party,’ we sought to honor the extraordinary detail of his craft, the fluidity of his brushstrokes, and above all, the profound influence he has had on American painting and the timeless power of his voice to continue inspiring generations to come.” said Audrey and Thibault Decker, co-founders of Street Art for Mankind.
The new murals, now part of Houston’s cultural landscape, reinterpret two of Biggers’ seminal works:
- “Quilting Party” is located on the side of Texas Southern’s Health and Physical Education Arena. It is a replica of a painting by Biggers painted by Alex Arzu, Bimbo Adenugba, Mathieu Jean Baptiste, and Texas Southern alumnus Mack Leon Bishop. Biggers once described the original painting as being based on his remembrance of his mother and grandmother stitching a quilt. The original Quilting Party is permanently on view at the Wortham Theater Center in Houston.
- “Jubilee” is located on the side of the Rollins-Stewart Music Center, directly across from the University’s Art building that bears Biggers’ name. The replica was painted by Houston-based artists Ade Odunfa and Texas Southern alumna Linda Hinojos. The original work was created during Biggers’ first visit to West Africa. It is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and is on view in the Arts of Africa Gallery.
They are the seventh and eighth installments of a larger project made possible through the generous support of Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, along with David T. Hales, Trustee for Hazel Biggers, and Dr. Wardlaw. Together, they ensure that Biggers’ vision continues to inspire new audiences in Houston and around the world.
“As a proud TSU alum, I know firsthand the power of this campus and its legacy,” said Commissioner Rodney Ellis. “Dr. Biggers’ work has always reminded us where we come from and what we can build together. That’s why I am committed to preserving and uplifting his legacy. These murals are more than paint on a wall. They remind us of our history, our creativity, and our resilience. I hope these murals inspire pride in where we come from – and hope for where we are going.”
Preserving Biggers’ Legacy
These murals not only celebrate John T. Biggers’ brilliance but also connect generations of Houstonians with Biggers’ enduring messages of hope, resilience, and cultural pride.
