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

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 5:00pm.

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.

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, 2023 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.

The Galleries at Kean hosts over a dozen exhibitions each academic year by professional artists, traveling exhibitions, faculty shows and student work across six galleries and one exhibition hall on Kean University’s main campus in Union, New Jersey. Known for its diverse array of artists and mediums, the Galleries' mission is to build awareness of critical global issues through the visual arts.

Kean University, New Jersey’s urban research university, is a national institution of higher education recognized for its diversity, innovation and the social mobility of its graduates. Founded in 1855 as a teachers college, Kean has evolved into a thriving research university that supports students as they persist to graduation, give back to their communities and launch successful careers. Kean’s six colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate programs, six doctoral degree programs and more than 70 options leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas or certifications, across a full range of academic subjects. With campuses in Union, Toms River and Manahawkin, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China, as well as Kean Online, the University provides students of all backgrounds an affordable and accessible world-class education.

Photos Credit: Kean University