“Natural(istic) Intelligence”, by local RI-artist Joanna Vespia, combines portraiture with sea life and stylized oceanic references. Joanna chose to make the face black and white with subtly colored eyes to symbolize the idea of awareness, or seeing our surroundings with fresh eyes and deeper understanding.
The portrait is meant to be universal and act as a stand-in for the viewer, but is based upon the actress who plays Eleven in the show “Stranger Things”. Joanna sees this as a layer of hidden meaning for fans, who will recognize the significance of choosing an actress from a series that shows how when humans manipulate nature too much things can go terribly wrong.
The octopus symbolizes beauty and great intelligence that surrounds us in nature. Joanna shares, “They’re a creature that scientists are still working to understand, just like even after all of human history we are still working to understand this planet we live on and our part in it…and I also just think they’re really awesome!”
The entire mural has an ocean/water type theme in honor of Providence’s location and connection to the water with the pattern being loosely water/wave inspired.
This mural was made possible by Brokers Service Marketing Group with special thanks to Jason Lea, and Flipp Salon Apothecary with special thanks to Jo-Anna Cassino.
