LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- New art is coming to life at the Muhammad Ali Center in downtown Louisville.
Artist Kelsey Montague debuted new works Wednesday inspired by Ali. Her artwork explores how public art, interactive art and social media intersect.
In the exhibit, her pieces focus on honoring the life of the legendary boxer.
She's back at it! Just two days until Opening Day for #WhatLiftsYou with @Kelseymontagueart 🎨If you're like us and can't wait to see the final result, check out how you can be at the opening for free here: https://t.co/tv5JCoYgyo pic.twitter.com/G3b5fOfvqZ
— Muhammad Ali Center (@AliCenter) May 9, 2022
"I think it's a mixture of just highlighting what an amazing man he was and also celebrating what he has done in his life and, creatively, just kind of bringing people into this world that I created," Montague said.
Amelia McGrath, a collections associate with the center who helped curate the exhibit, said she's excited for the public to see Montague's work on display in the heart of Louisville.
"Muhammad Ali himself was an artist," McGrath said. "We have a small exhibit with a few of his pieces on the fifth floor. He loved artwork, and his father was a painter.
"We were so excited when we were able to collaborate with Kelsey because of her work with her murals and her international recognition. Her willingness to come in and paint these for us and design these for is amazing. It means a lot because of course it gives recognition to Louisville, and we want people to come to Louisville and also to the Center."
Many of the pieces are made to be interactive. McGrath said Montague did that intentionally in order to make the public feel like they were a piece of the artwork.
"We want you to bring your kids and your friends and take as many photos as you want," McGrath said. "We want you to walk in and think 'Oh, I have to get a picture with that,' because that's exactly what it is for. We want people to immerse themselves in the art and just have so much fun with it."
The exhibit will be in the museum's Ina Brown Bond Gallery Center through the end of the year. Entry is included with the price of regular admission to the Muhammad Ali Center.
"We hope they take away wonderful photos of course but also just a recognition of different ways art can be done," McGrath said. "Kelsey really loves experimenting with her own work and she encourages people to be themselves and fight for what's right and just everything that relates to Muhammad Ali as well. We hope people leave here having a great time but also realizing 'Hey, I can do something great too.'"
Montague's work has been featured in Taylor Swift’s music videos, celebrity Instagrams and murals across the country.
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