Multifaceted artist Aaron Li-Hill works in a variety of settings, ranging from large-scale installations to public murals, the latter of which involves a creative process that is much more public and inclusive than most other realms. The unique nature of mural creation has profoundly impacted the creation of Li-Hill’s most recent work, “Deer Medicine” whose title was suggested by one particularly moved passerby. Li-Hill completed “Deer Medicine” as part of the 2018 Bushwick Collective Block Party, and its message builds on themes he established in a previous work,”Apparitions of the Past” which could be seen on New York’s Lower East Side from December 2017 to June 14th, 2018.
In Li-Hill’s own words, he explains that “Apparition of the Past” is based on concepts of a post-apocalyptic future, one where ecosystems have collapsed, continuing to explain that “this image speaks of an unwritten story, a metaphor for the perils of our time and that which is yet to come.“
The mural depicts a human figure wearing a filtration mask drudges through a harsh environment. Holding a talisman or totem of a bear skull, he knows not what it is he carries but knows it holds the power of the past. A time of potential and plenty. An apparition appears, one that only we can see but he feels in presence. We know what it is, he knows what will be.
“Deer Medicine” conveys a fierce strength, with four women clad in stark, pragmatic clothing and facing an unseen entity. Their faces stoic and their hands have been replaced by gleaming antlers all aimed in the same direction. A faint space vehicle can be seen in the background, and a glowing red buck keeps pace with the women, supporting them as he guides them forward. Though the viewer is unable to see the full span of the scene, the mural emanates a general attitude of determination in the face of any force.
The passerby whom Li-Hill attributed the name of this piece to made her recommendation because it shows “ideas presented by First Nations people about the power and the healing properties of the Deer as symbolized in the antlers the main figure is holding.” Deer antler has a long history of medicinal use, and is believed to possess an ability to rapidly heal whoever ingests it. It has been used for thousands of years to cure ailments of the bones, connective tissue, and kidneys. Upon further investigating the issue, Li-Hill found that “[I] felt the idea coincided with my image. The red tones of the spirit deer, the open and determined expression of the figure and the harking back to more ancient forms of wisdom (especially with the concept that my image comes from a distant future) coincided with my intent.”
As it depicts a dynamic image of resoluteness, “Deer Medicine” remains consistent with Li-Hill’s acclaimed artistic style. His work has been hailed as “kinetic and visually arresting” accolades earned by the artist’s forays into creating works that seem to swell with movement and energy. Previously from Toronto, Li-Hill relocated to New York in 2014, and has shown in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Toulouse and beyond.
Bushwick Collective Block Party is a yearly event that showcases the abilities of Brooklyn’s most renowned street talent. Artists take over the streets to “create masterpieces in real time” while attendees take in the sights and music of high-quality live performers. The annual event is hosted by The Bushwick Collective, one of New York City’s most prolific street art collectives. The Bushwick Collective fosters a forum in which artist’s can convey their messages. With “Deer Medicine” Aaron Li-Hill communicates that “in our divisive world and ecologically corrosive path, engaging with an open, patient heart can be a powerful tool in navigating a progressive way forward.”
