Chicago Fire

Themes: sports, soccer, commissioned work

The “Chicago Fire” mural by Fernando Caldera (Fedz) was commissioned by the Chicago Fire FC and is located on 19th and Ashland. The mural is part of the Chicago Fire’s brand relaunch and advertises the team’s new crest while also promoting images of the Pilsen community. This piece is one of four murals commissioned by the franchise around the Chicago area. This is also one of the biggest projects Fedz has worked on and his signature style and color palette prevail alongside Chicago Fire imagery. The mural has been popular among the Pilsen community who appreciate the vivid colors and aesthetic of Fedz’s work.

In the forefront of the mural is a young boy wearing a jersey with the new Chicago Fire crest. The inclusion of the young boy connects to the variety of programs the Chicago Fire runs partnering with Chicago Public Schools, many of which aim to serve underserved communities. This message is also seen in the depiction of the two figures kicking a soccer ball, which serves to promote soccer and sport as a means of community building and development. The importance of community is at the forefront of the piece because as the hometown team, the Fire prioritizes their relationship with the community. The inclusion of this young boy shows how the franchise prioritizes serving the people of Chicago and promoting the development of younger generations. There have also been unconfirmed speculation that the boy depicted in the mural purposefully resembles a victim of police brutality in Pilsen, which could contribute to the mural’s intimate connection with the heart of the Pilsen community. To the right of the boy is the Chicago Fire mascot, a dalmatian named Sparky. Additionally in the background, there is an overbearing Phoenix that illustrates the movement of the team forward into a new era as part of the brand relaunch of the club.

This description was written by Sara Kowalik and Ben Pampush, Notre Dame Class of 2022.