Color Gives Life

Painted on the front facade of the former Baker's Painting and Decorating Supplies shop, "Color Gives Life" explores the connection between the building's history and agriculture in the region. As water and sun give life in nature, a water motif flows around the image supported by the sun in the center. References to Baker's paint can logo mingle with images of date palms and cotton among the flowing water, alluding to the farming history of the Baker family and USDA date palm farms. The artist outlined the mural design with charcoal and filled with acrylic exterior paint.

Balcells is a scholar of the ancient Mesoamerican cultures, a photographer, a painter and a self-taught musician. He received his Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design from Universidad del Valle de Atemajac in Guadalajara, Mexico, his hometown. Balcells relocated to Arizona in 1999. Temporary installation in 2016. IN FLUX is a multi-city program launched as an initiative for temporary, site-specific installations in vacant spaces. Occupying new locations every cycle, these dynamic projects offer new perspective on the connections between community organizations, local businesses, artists and audiences. IN FLUX provides a unique opportunity for artists to expand their skill-sets, innovatively apply their creativity, and garner public recognition for their work.