Public Art 4Culture consulted with international hotel chain citizenM to curate and commission original artwork for their highly anticipated historic Pioneer Square location at the corner of Yesler Way and Post Avenue.

RYAN! Feddersen’s massive graphic mural, Schema, brings color, texture, and personality to the building’s façade. Rendered in porcelain enamel tile, the mosaic imagery features an abstract map referencing Seattle’s early history and idiosyncrasies alongside layered symbols of colonization, nature, industry, and politics. As a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Feddersen took inspiration from the aesthetic structure and palette of turn of the century Native American beadwork to make her message clear: actions of today have lasting effects, both physically and experientially. Schema is a reminder that we are the creators of our world, and that foresight and social responsibility are vital.

“Schema very much represents a mode for how I like to work: time to dive into research and think in a site-specific way about histories and narratives, then the freedom to combine that content with aesthetic and ideological strategies,” says Feddersen

The mural is just the first piece of a larger portfolio that will give the new property an art collection that is distinct to the region. A second commission—wallpaper by artist Harold Hollingsworth—will be featured in the hotel’s bar area. In the living room, cabinets have been designed to showcase The Allure by artist and curator, Anthony White. Guest room artwork will feature pieces by Natalie Krick, Mary Iverson, and Jennifer Zwick.