In Washington, DC, Yiqiao Wang's mural "We Share: DC's Sign in ASL" symbolizes unity and inclusion. Through vibrant colors and heartfelt symbolism, it highlights the Deaf community while inspiring connection and pride.
Visit Washington, DC's bustling NoMa neighborhood and you will find this vibrant mural with hands that spell out the letters for the District of Columbia, D and C, in American Sign Language (ASL). The artist, Yiqiao Wang, skillfully merged the vibrant colors of DC's flag with the ASL letters and complemented them by heart-shaped handshapes, symbolizing the idea of sharing and community. According to the artist, the mural pays homage to the NoMa, Eckington, and greater Northeast DC community, as well as the Deaf community.
This artpiece marks Wang's first foray into street art, making it a significant milestone in her artistic journey. It was created as part of the 2023 NoMa in Color Mural Festival, a public art initiative by the NoMa Business Improvement District (BID). The festival invited local artists to submit proposals, and Wang was among the impressive and diverse lineup of 16 local artists who were able to bring their vision to life. Together with other established and emerging muralist, she transformed the local transit authority WMATA's retaining wall along the Metropolitan Branch Trail into stunning, dynamic art pieces that reflect the history and spirit of the neighborhood, inspire conversations, and foster a sense of pride and unity among residents and visitors alike.
Yiqiao Wang's "We Share: DC's Sign in ASL" mural is more than just a piece of art; it's a beacon of hope and a reminder of the power of community. Through her vibrant colors and heartfelt symbolism, Wang invites viewers to pause, reflect, and connect with one another - and celebrate the rich culture and history of the Deaf community in the nation's capital.
To quote the artist: "My mural expresses unity and serves as a reminder of the area's spirited ambiance and the presence of the Gallaudet University signing community in NoMa. It's a beautiful symbol of belonging and pride!"
About the artist
Originally from Beijing, China, Yiqiao Wang is a senior artist and creative designer at Gallaudet University’s The Science of Learning Center on Visual Language and Visual Learning in Washington, DC. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Wang's artistic approach is diverse, encompassing both hand drawing and digital work, always with a focus on vivid color and illustrative vision.
In addition to her mural on the Metropolitan Branch Trail, Wang has created several prominent mural designs, including the scrim in the Maguire Welcome Center at Gallaudet University, the immersive Deaf APPI Experience mural at Union Market, the Vibrant mural in the first Signing Starbucks store on H Street NE in Washington, DC, and the Loon Mural in downtown Minneapolis, MN. Her work consistently aims to inspire and uplift and she is considered a cherished contributor to the public art scene.