Up and Away

Odili Donald Odita’s mural Up and Away spans two floors in the common room
of Butler College. Color and shape play a central role in Odita’s mural: his palette
is bright, almost psychedelic, and the composition brings life and dynamism
to otherwise static white walls. Odita says that he was inspired by the design
as well as by the function of the building. He was particularly interested in
creating something conducive to the activities that occur at Butler, such as
studying, communicating, and living. As a whole, the mural suggests an energy
rising through the building, a force moving up the stairs toward the door. The
title Up and Away is both optimistic and aspirational. It might make us think
of abstract concepts like growth and flight or such concrete references as
Superman. Ultimately, Up and Away refers to the experience of a student who,
upon learning, leaves for higher pursuits.