Rebirth by Gabriel Eng-Goetz \\ Music by Elijah Fox Peck \\ Produced by Press Record Media
The Backstory
Durham resident Gabriel Eng-Goetz created this breathtaking mural, Rebirth, to represent the vitality and innovation that exists within RTP. His initial inspiration was his own family's history in North Carolina; his own grandparents immigrated to the US in the 1920s, establishing a Chinese vegetable garden. “It has created opportunities for our family for generations,” he says.
We invite the Boxyard RTP community to consider how their own journey in the Triangle relates to Eng-Goetz’s celebration of the Triangle's multi-cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit, and how each of us contributes to our shared future.
You can find Rebirth on the northwest side of Boxyard. Spanning roughly 12,490 square feet and wrapping around four walls and two stories, the installation is the centerpiece of the property. If you take a photo of the piece, tag us on social media using @boxyardrtp and the hashtag (#??)
Gabriel Eng-Goetz is the founder of Durham-based lifestyle brand RUNAWAY®. His art can be found all over the city in the form of fashion, visual art, sports, music, docuseries and more. Among his most recognizable contributions is DURM™, the city's unofficial slogan, championed by long-term and transplanted residents alike.
Eng-Goetz was assisted by apprentice Estephani Sanchez-Recendiz, made possible through a partnership with the Nasher Museum of Art Teen Council.
This partnership with The Nasher allows Eng-Goetz to provide apprentice work, living wage opportunities and knowledge to young people pursuing creative careers and interested in learning the art of murals.
It takes a strong vision to pull off a project like Boxyard RTP. That vision was fulfilled thanks to the ardent support of Smedes York, Research Triangle Foundation Board Chairman Emeritus and longtime advocate of local art and business.
Smedes continues to serve on the Foundation’s Development Committee, which provided support and guidance throughout the Boxyard project.
In recognition of his more than ten years of service, Rebirth was dedicated to Smedes at our kickoff event, “A Bite of Boxyard.”
Interested in being considered for future art installations or exhibits at Boxyard RTP or on the Frontier RTP campus? Send your credentials to programming@rtp.org and we will hold onto your information for when opportunities arise.
