June 2021

“Community is Essential”

by Nik Richard
for Adult Swim Mural Project
📍 Yaya Arts Center

Community is Essential is an extension of the Adult Swim Mural Project, an ongoing exhibition that highlights Black artists through the production of murals around their local communities. The artists in this exhibition—Jade Meyers, Morrah Burton-Edwards, and Nik Richard—came together to create a three-part mural design showcasing the strength and resilience of the New Orleans community.

Nik Richard is a visual artist and urban planner from New Orleans, LA. Nik's work focuses on highlighting the vibrant culture of New Orleans and amplifying current urban and social issues with his colorful and surreal art style. Nik works primarily as an illustrator, collaborating with many local and national agencies on editorial works and public art installations.

Nik’s mural depicts what an essential community has looked like over the recent pandemic. The imagery honors culture bearers, healthcare workers, social justice advocates, and the synergy of community.

It is important that the story of our fight for social justice is not lost with the story of the pandemic.
— Nik Richard

Curator Dawn Richard
Artist Assistant Monica Rose Kelly
Media Justen Williams