MenaceResa’s ‘Rise Above’: A Powerful Tribute to Activism in Richmond Under Threat

by | May 4, 2023 | ART, COMMUNITY, STREET ART

In Richmond, Virginia, the traveling artist couple Menaceresa, (Menace Two and Resa Piece) have collaborated with artist Monolith to create “Rise Above,” a stunning mural that now faces potential removal by the Commission of Architectural Review. As part of their ambitious Fifty States Challenge, the duo plans to paint a couple of community murals in every state across the country.

The Richmond mural, marking the fifth stop on their journey, is a harmonious blend of each artist’s unique style. Menace Two, a graffiti writer from Queens, NY, who specializes in calligraphy, typography, and letterforms, painted the intricate letters. Resa Piece, a self-taught street art muralist also from Queens, designed the mural and painted a striking portrait, while Monolith added his artistic touch to the bottom letters.

“The Commission of Architectural Review was fast to contact the landowner to take the mural down ASAP,” the artists shared. However, the mural was painted over a wall that regularly endured graffiti and the cycle of buffing, making it an ideal canvas for community art.

'rise above' mural by menace & Resa
The wall before the mural

This mural is not only a part of Menaceresa’s Fifty States Project but also a reflection of solidarity with the mural facing across the street. Menace Two explains, “Richmond, Virginia, is the birthplace of the slave trade in the United States, so it was only right that we painted this piece to uplift the people here.” Collaborating with Monolith, who contributed his knowledge of resistance and grassroots movements, the trio aimed to pay tribute to the activists that paved the way for us all.

'rise above' mural by menace & Resa
'rise above' mural by menace & Resa
Details of ‘Rise Above’

While they did not receive formal permission from the landowner, Menaceresa chose a high-traffic, graffiti-tagged wall to paint their mural, never painting over clean surfaces.

In a similar case involving a mural around the corner, the same board decided to allow the owner to keep the mural, as removing it would cause more damage to the wall. The same consideration should be given to “Rise Above,” a meaningful piece of community art that showcases the power of unity and artistic expression.

As Menaceresa continue their Fifty States Challenge, it’s crucial to recognize the unifying power of art and the value it brings to communities. The Commission of Architectural Review should reconsider its decision and allow “Rise Above” to remain standing as a symbol of solidarity and artistic expression in Richmond.

ed. note: This mural has been deemed in violation of Richmond Commission of Architectural Review (CAR) standards and is slated to be removed. If you have questions or would like to express support for the art, please contact alex.dandridge@rva.gov or call 804-646-6304!

R. Anthony Harris

R. Anthony Harris

I created Richmond, Virginia’s culture publication RVA Magazine and brought the first Richmond Mural Project to town. Designed the first brand for the Richmond’s First Fridays Artwalk and promoted the citywide “RVA” brand before the city adopted it as the official moniker. I threw a bunch of parties. Printed a lot of magazines. Met so many fantastic people in the process. Professional work: www.majormajor.me




more in art

X-Glide’s Mission Is Putting Virginia Street Dance on the Map

"That was just one of the best weekends I've ever had in my life." I'm sitting on the steps of Main Street Station with Elijah "X-Glide" Fulgham, a 22-year-old up-and-comer in the East Coast street dance scene. He's telling me about his experience at the Red Bull...

Scenes From First Fridays May 2023

Our talented photographer Jody Adams @artbyothers__ managed to capture some splendid moments from a bustling Friday night at First Fridays in Richmond, VA, along with a few snaps from the weekend performance of Devoids at Get Tight Lounge. From people admiring the...

Artist Shane McFadden is Finding his Way

Shane McFadden is a VisArts resident looking to take virtual spaces and make them real through darkroom processes. He completed his BFA in Photography + Film at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2022 and has been practicing photography since he was 16.  In this...

Finding God, DMX, Fire, and Fries On First Fridays

I was tasked with covering the First Friday in April. It was a big day. Not only was it the 18th birthday of Gallery 5, it was also Good Friday. I languished at home for a while, deliberating whether I wanted to go out on a cold and rainy night when the weather had...

Pin It on Pinterest