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Chloe Washington

@cxaxj

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A Wife 💍. A Mother🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒. A Creative 🧿.

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LIBERATION is a M.U.S.T.

The Artist Behind the Mural: Chloe Washington

Born and raised in Seattle — Rainer Beach, the South End — Chloe is one of the few that truly knows what Seattle has gone through. For her entire life, art has been the lens in which she processes the world. Her awe-inspiring talent is a gift that frames M.U.S.T.’s new office, invoking our soul onto canvas. She also understands the mission of M.U.S.T. on many levels: Being the wife of our Executive Director, Kelvin Washington Jr., she has witnessed the work up close for years. Not only can you experience her work at our office, but it is publicly on display at Black Panther Park in Skyway, WA.

So much more could be said of Chloe, but the most impactful way to represent her is to give her the floor. Here is a snippet of her own words:

About her INSPIRATION to create:
“Art has always been woven into the fabric of my life... Creating has never felt like a hobby or even a choice, it has always felt like a necessity. Art is how I process the world, how I process grief & loss, joy & celebration, anger & frustration, pride & identity, healing & release and love & connection.

[In addition to being heavily influenced by my aunt, Nia Jourdan, an accomplished painter], I had the privilege of attending Seattle Academy of Art & Sciences for both middle and high school, where I was given the opportunities to explore a wide range of artistic mediums… Those experiences [and the process of my own exploration] expanded my understanding of what was possible and encouraged me to develop my own artistic voice.

Growing up in Seattle as a Black person, I have often found myself being the minority in many spaces. Because of that, centering Blackness in my work has become essential to me, and I feel deeply connected to and responsible to reflect.”

[Continued in Comments]

#MentoringIsAMUST
#BlackLiberation #BlackExcellence // #BlackArtist by @cxaxj

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a month ago

Mural created for MUST,
At the heart of this mural is the belief that liberation already lives inside young Black boys and men. In their identity, creativity, power, softness, and resilience. Sometimes they simply need community, guidance, affirmation, & support to help bring it out of them. The most prominent element of the mural is the word “LIBERATION” rising directly from his hair. I wanted the hair to function as both a literal and symbolic source of power. Within Black culture, hair carries history, identity, creativity, & pride. It is also both judged by others and longed for by many. By allowing the word to emerge from the hair itself, the mural suggests that liberation begins internally, through reclaiming identity, self-worth, and cultural expression.

The hands surrounding the figure represent the role of community in shaping and protecting us. Each hand is painted in different tones of brown to reflect the diversity within Blackness and community. The importance of collective support across generations and experiences, helping shape liberation together. The hands can also be interpreted as ancestors, mentors, family, organizers, or community members contributing to personal and collective growth.

He is wearing a bright red jacket with the word “MUST” across the back, referencing the organization while also functioning as a statement of necessity. Liberation, care, justice, visibility, and community are not optional they are things we must protect and prioritize. & of course we should all know our Black ancestral connection to cowrie shells. The monarch butterfly represents transformation, softness, and resilience. I wanted it to challenge limiting ideas around Black masculinity by showing that vulnerability, beauty, and growth are also forms of strength. Even though monarchs are delicate, they travel thousands of miles and survive incredible journeys & that felt symbolic of Black survival, evolution, and liberation. by @cxaxj

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2 months ago

Baby said I wasn’t allowed to turn 35 in America. by @cxaxj

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a year ago

Watching our girl grow is like watching magic happen. She’s learning, blooming, and busting out new talents like it’s no big deal. Fearless, fabulous, and full of surprises… we’re literally the proudest parents on the planet! by @cxaxj

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a year ago

Like father, like son! Our little guy got his first lawnmower and joined Dad for yard duty— cutest landscaping crew ever!Finding every chance we can to be even MORE like his favorite person, Daddy! Kids Enfants @johndeere lawnmower. #johndeere #blackdads #blackdadsmatter #amazonfinds #kidslawnmower #blackboyjoy by @cxaxj

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a year ago

Happy 1st birthday to my sweet Houston Wolf Washington.
Mothering a son has been the greatest gift—watching him grow, explore, and light up every space he enters. I’m beyond grateful for the village that surrounds and supports us with so much love.
Excited for all the moments ahead, to watch his personality blossom and his spirit shine. Here’s to year one and a lifetime more!!
To all the Aunties who always show up I love you with all of me! & to my Husband @tdkelvo thank you for all that you do. For being the head of this family and the most perfect Father! by @cxaxj

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a year ago

He who finds one. Find a good thing. by @cxaxj

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2 years ago

I pray to see the sun set a million times with you. by @cxaxj

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2 years ago

Helping Wolf fall in love with Fall. The Washington’s 🤎 by @cxaxj

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2 years ago

Houston Wolf Washington by @cxaxj

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2 years ago

Twinkling Lights. Rodeo Nights. 🐎 Club Members ONLY 🧲 by @cxaxj

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2 years ago

No one talks about what a Dad goes through postpartum. But I have been lucky enough to witness it. How he watches the miracle of birth and falls in love with you all over again. He helps you ease into a routine of caring for a newborn 24/7. Finding his own way to do so at the same time. The racing thoughts of having to go back to work in 3 months. With the rent due an endless list of items to buy, trips to take, groceries to supply. You are a selfless man because your caring nature knows no bounds. You are not just a husband you are a caregiver who always fulfils not just mine but our children’s desires. Whenever I’m feeling low or the kids have drained all my energy then you’re here to rescue me. You give me the time to take some rest & just be. You always find a unique way to make me feel special in my postpartum journey. I feel blessed when I see that you share an amazing bond with our kids. Z is so lucky to have you. You’re the hero of our daughters life and I see her heart light up every time she see you and spends quality time with you. Houston already mirrors that same spark of the tremendous and immeasurable joy of being loved by a father. You lead our family in truth. You show our kids what a man does, and what a man doesn’t do. To know they are secure in your love is a gift. Knowing they will always understand the love of a father will have eternal rewards. For them to see you loving people and serving the Lord will guide them the rest of their lives. I’m certain they will trust in Him more easily since they’ve had a father with these traits who has cared for them so well. The way you take care of our home, our children, and our world…is a reflection of the way you take care of my heart. Every detail is an act of love- and I’m so thankful for every dish you’ve cleaned, every bathroom you’ve scrubbed, every diaper you’ve changed, all the tiny clothes you’ve folded & all that you continue to do for our family. I can rely on you with my most vulnerable, uninhibited needs- and you’ve proven to be the best helper. by @cxaxj

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2 years ago