Interactive Signed Fine Art Print featuring the "Still I R.I.S.E" mural created by artist
Robert Hodge in Cypress Station, Texas.
The mural is part of the
I Choose to R.I.S.E murals and outdoor museum curated and produced by Street Art for Mankind.
Some choices lead to outcomes we can’t undo —including lives lost to violence or the streets. “Still I R.I.S.E” is a four-panel mural, created by artist Robert Hodge and curated by Street Art for Mankind (SAM), inspired by the transformative work of the R.I.S.E. Empowerment Center. Combining visual storytelling shaped by conversations with the Center’s staff and excerpts from Maya Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise,” the piece invites viewers on a meditative journey about choices, and ways to move forward.
The large “R” mural is a reflection on choices and consequences. On the left, scenes of jail, death, and sorrow portray paths of loss; on the right, images of education and meaningful careers —such as a forklift operator or firefighter, offer hope and a path forward. The title “And Still I Rise,” from the collection that includes Maya Angelou’s celebrated poem, arcs across both sides in a continuous circle, symbolizing that even when one has strayed to the wrong side, the possibility of rising again remains. Fragments of “Still I Rise” weave through the composition as a reminder that change begins with the choices we make. The 20-dollar bill stretching across both sides delivers a simple message: you don’t need bad choices to make a living.
Facing it, the “I” mural offers a meditative pause. It echoes and expands on the “Still I Rise” extracts of the poem featured in the first Mural, as an incantation flowing into words and poetry. Through the figure, who symbolizes the interruption of conflict, the mural also reflects the mission of the Center.
The “S” mural depicts a symbolic life journey: a boat navigating a storm as people rise above the waves. Combined with more extracts of the poem, it invites the viewer to his own interpretation and reflect on the fragility —and strength, of this ascension.
The final “E” mural proposes a conversation between the viewer and themselves. Surrounded by oak trees, vines, and flowers that symbolize wisdom and renewal, it also bears the names of those lost —from local community members whose lives were taken, to icons who have been jailed or assassinated for Justice, reminding us how one choice can change a life and a legacy. Those remembered include: Bennie BDown Nolley, Berta Cáceres, Big Choo, Big Zack, César Chávez, Charles Lil C Ransom, Derrick Savage Smith, D’Vonte Paw Walker, George Floyd, Mahatma Gandhi, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Rigoberta Menchú Tum, Robert Black Rob Palmer, and Robin Strong. At the center is a mirror, inviting viewers to reflect on who they have – or wish to become. It begins and ends with the choice made by the person in the mirror.
Mural Location: Rise Center - 16940 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77090.
Print Medium: River Stone Satin Rag Fine Art Paper 365 gsm. Museum Grade • OBA free • 100% cotton fiber • Certified 100+ years archival.
Signature: Hand-signed by the artist and numbered in the back, on a certificate of authenticity.
Limited Edition: Authentic and strictly limited edition of 50 prints. Work sold with a certificate of authenticity. Exclusivity Street Art for Mankind.
Interactive: Print activated by SAM's free App Behind the Wall©. Download on App Store and Google Store, and scan the print with the app to hear the artist speak about his piece, experts about the theme, locate murals near you,... and make creative statements!
Photographer: Dr_Derek
