The City of Chicago recently published a new book entitled “Elevated: Art & Architecture of the Chicago Transit Authority,” which devotes several pages to the work of the late Francisco Mendoza.
Mendoza was a prominent artist who lived and worked in the Pilsen neighborhood since the mid-1980s. His work can be seen throughout the city in public art projects, including the 18th Street Pink Line mural. Although art projects are a much more common site now at subway stations throughout the city, the CTA confirmed that he was the first artist commissioned to beautify a Chicago train station. He collaborated with various Chicago artists, including Block 37 students, and the National Museum of Mexican Art to successfully complete the mural in the 1990s.
Like his contemporary, the artist Keith Haring, Mendoza was an innovative urban art pioneer who believed in giving local communities access to fine art. He also collaborated with school children on major art projects (which included several mosaic murals).
The book was commissioned by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to showcase the urban art decorating the city’s CTA stations. It’s available for purchase (US$58) at the Chicago Architecture Center and at CTAgifts.com.