Artist Ricardo Roig to Unveil Human Rights-Inspired Mural at Kean

Oct 10, 2023

Artist Ricardo Roig ’08, Kean University alumnus and artist-in-residence, will unveil a large-scale, colorful mural at Kean this week in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Kean alumnus, artist Ricardo Roig, stands in front of his human rights-inspired mural

An opening reception – free and open to the public – will be held in the Human Rights Institute Gallery located in the Learning Commons on Kean’s Union campus, Thursday, October 12 at 5 p.m.

Roig, a contemporary fine artist, invited the public to watch as he created the mural, WE DECLARE, at Kean. It features 31 historical figures, living legends and grassroots activists in the international human rights movement. Included are: Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt; former speakers at Kean’s annual Human Rights Institute Conference – chef Tom Colicchio, WNBA All Star Chamique Holdsclaw, and disability rights champion Eric LeGrand; as well as Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., who has made diversity, equity and inclusion guiding principles at the University.

Roig is known for his unique hand-cut technique, a style he developed as a student at Kean.

“Drawing, cutting, taping, screen printing and applying each color layer is a rewarding daily practice,” he said.

WE DECLARE is a new direction for Roig and honors the United Nations’ adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on December 10, 1948.

“It is powerful to watch his work evolve and give space to individuals who have been instrumental in the quest for human rights,” said Lynette Zimmerman, Ed.D., executive director of the Liberty Hall Academic Center and the Galleries at Kean.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was enacted after World War II as the international community came together in an effort to prevent human rights atrocities from ever happening again. Eleanor Roosevelt chaired the UDHR drafting committee.

WE DECLARE is a snapshot of those fighting for a more open and just world.

“This mural has challenged and inspired me, and brought a new exciting layer of meaning to my work. I am so grateful for this opportunity to create, connect with the Kean community, and share my passion,” said Roig.

Kean alumnus and artist Ricardo Roig, with students, points at art materials on a table.

As part of his yearlong residency at Kean, Roig will share a new body of work featuring his hand-cut fine art in January. The former Westfield elementary school art teacher is also working directly with Kean students, providing hands-on experiential learning workshops, portfolio reviews and class instruction.

“I’ve learned so much and felt my love for teaching reignite as I meet with the students,” said Roig.

WE DECLARE will be on display through Friday, December 8, in the Human Rights Institute Gallery in the Learning Commons on Kean’s campus, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, New Jersey. It will then be moved to a permanent location. Visit galleries.kean.edu for more information.