MLK Spotlight - Warlance: A Celebration of Our Cultural Heritage

Warlance is a junior majoring in Communication Studies. This post is part of the MLK Spotlight, a regular feature on our blog. The goal is to highlight MLK student (or staff) stories, experiences, and perspectives. Have something you'd like to share? Send an email to mlkdesk@umn.edu, or ask your adviser!

Warlance and the mural he created on the second floor of Coffman Memorial Union

It can be said that the context of life is based upon the influential cultures that it embodies. Existent upon this is the collective instinct of human nature to expressively display culture in daily experience. Here, at the University of Minnesota, the Second Floor of Coffman is where the diversity of culture manifests and it is the place to be on campus. Art thrives, cultures mix, and the collective actions of peace, love, and happiness influence every attitudinal gesture that reflects the purposes of the Second Floor of Coffman. Whether to “bridge the gap," appreciate differences, or instill a level of comfort accessible to all, the Second Floor of Coffman has every intention to celebrate the diversity that exists here at the University of Minnesota. It was this objectivity that gave me the inspiration to construct a piece of artwork that would embody the purpose of every culture that lives and thrives from within the University. 


An olive tree illustrates a restoration of peace, of which was formerly relinquished by the many cultural distinctions that separate our worlds, far and near. As well, the symbolic virtue of the tree was meant to ground us in the undeniable truth of our individual reliance and appreciation of the cultural perspectives. Furthermore, as a substitute for leaves, the topographical map conveys the understanding that the collective instinct of the human nature is to expressively display culture. And because culture is widely appreciated, this ongoing display can be found in nearly every culture across the globe. Emphatically, the significance of the heart that is formed by the branches of the olive tree gives a visible form of Love. Love, as a cultural value, forms the basis of the happiness that any expression of culture relies upon. For it is with all such symbolism that the collectivity of culture, from every corner of the world, is brought to attention.

There’s an obvious virtue that can be outlined in the work of Mahatma Gandhi, which gave me the ability to realize his cordial methods of protesting the injustices of man. The simplicity of his lifestyle made him quite the self-sufficient man. Gandhi was able to attribute his success of nonviolent civil disobedience to mainly him and his followers. He appointed himself a leader in the enduring battle toward peace, equality, and harmony. He once said, “Man often becomes what he believes himself to be," and it is his interpretive philosophy that I considered in the construction of this piece. To give context to his notable words, I believe myself to be something spectacular. There are many things I am incapable of doing. On the contrary, there are many other things I am more than capable of doing. Art, art is one of those immeasurable abilities and I am humbled to have been given such an opportunity that expresses myself, as well as something greater. For it is with this artwork that I've established a beautiful legacy at the University of Minnesota for the students of the future, by the students of the present. There is no one in this world that is more proud of me, than myself.