Jiyoun Lee-Lodge, The Arrival, 2019, ceramic pigment on porcelain tile, PS 144 Addition, Queens

The Arrival is an exuberant mural by artist Jiyoun Lee-Lodge. Digitally-printed on porcelain tile, it was made specifically for the new entrance to PS 144 Queens to greet all students, staff, parents and visitors to the school with a sense of joy and whimsy.

The Arrival features a cluster of cartoon-like characters and shapes swirling over an ocean moving towards a shoreline. One large green foot touches ground, signaling an arrival. The mural is intended to symbolize different types of arrivals and possibilities – from immigrants arriving in a foreign place, to students arriving at school in the morning, embarking on a new day of learning. Using her signature anime style, quirky forms and bright colors, Lee-Lodge portrays individuality and suggests diversity in culture, background, and style in a playful manner. The exciting and dynamic movement of the characters is meant to be invigorating and uplifting. The end destination is the shore, illustrating the sense of hope offered by a land of opportunity, whether a country or a school.