LOUISVILLE, KY — Kelsey Montague’s art has been featured in Taylor Swift’s music videos, celebrity Instagrams, and murals across the country. Now, it’s coming to Louisville in a new temporary exhibit at the Muhammad Ali Center. Montague’s five new works will be debuted to the public for the first time at the exhibit’s grand opening on Wednesday, May 11.
Montague’s artwork explores how public art, interactive art, and social media intersect. Each wall of the Muhammad Ali Center’s Ina Brown Bond Gallery will exhibit one of Kelsey’s original mural pieces inspired by Muhammad Ali. Fans may recognize her famous wing murals with intricate designs, always in public places for passersby to celebrate and pose with.
“Muhammad Ali epitomizes strength, compassion and integrity,” Montague said. “I am thrilled to exhibit those ideals within this exhibit. I designed each piece to give the viewer an opportunity to reflect on Muhammad Ali’s incredible life and to interact with the strength and compassion that defined him.”
The opening night reception is free. Guests are encouraged to interact with the art, take photographs with the murals and post to their social media accounts, using the hashtags #WhatLiftsYou and #LiftWithAli.
“Muhammad’s legacy built a foundation for us to rise to our greatest potential,” Muhammad Ali Center CEO and President Marilyn Jackson said. “And just as he lifted us, Kelsey’s work invites us to reflect on What Lifts You. Her art captures his greatness and profound innovation and we’re proud to have it featured in our Ina Bond Gallery.”
The murals will be on exhibit at the Center through December 31, 2022.
