artwork

When we began developing plans for Court Street Plaza, we knew community artwork was going to be an important facet of the space. We are working with local artists to provide the space with a unique combination of various types of artwork that contributes to enlivening the area. Below, you can read more about each artist and their respective pieces.

“Embrace No evil” by Tom tsuchiya

Embrace No Evil, a sculpture made of fiberglass and stainless steel by renowned local artist Tom Tsuchiya, was built off the Buddhist and Confucian proverb, “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” that was popularized in Japan and associated with monkeys. In Japanese, the phrase translates to, “mizaru, kikazaru, iwazaru.” Because zaru is similar to saru, the Japanese word for monkey, the simian-themed pun was born. The sculpture, which emits ambient LED lighting, interprets the pun in a new way by showing monkeys intertwined and protecting one another from evil.

The semi-translucent art piece enhanced the experience of the Plaza during BLINK 2024, which hosted the Asianati Night Market during the public light and art event. During BLINK, speakers were installed inside the sculpture allowing the typically ambient lighting to become dynamic and be coordinated to music. Following BLINK, the sculpture became a permanent fixture on Court Street Plaza.

Tsuchiya’s work can be found throughout the region, where he is known for creating pieces that have a sense of vitality. Inspired by nature and the rich and varied shapes and movements of people and animals, he develops ideas that instill living, breathing qualities in his work.

“Coming of Age” by Gee Horton

Coming of Age is a series that artist Gee Horton considers to be a self-study, where he looks inward to present his own interpretation of youth and how his inner child wants to be seen. His subjects are shown donning objects that reflect his African roots and show the preservation of innocence.

“I’m so honored to bring my Coming of Age work to the streets of Cincinnati and this incredible location on Court Street,” said Horton. “My artistic journey hasn’t been typical, but that has made it even more meaningful and thrilling. I look forward to gaining inspiration from my community and giving back by continuing to bring art to the people of Cincinnati for years to come.”

Gee Horton is a local up-and-coming artist who utilizes graphite and charcoal to create hyper-realistic portraits depicting the African American experience. With a background working in the non-profit sector, Horton had an artistic calling that has created a unique space where he can combine art and activism.

“Coming of Age” can be found on the east end of Court Street Plaza on Walnut Street, just outside the Kroger store entrance.

HYBYCOZO

HYBYCOZO (The Hyperspace Bypass Construction Zone) is a worldwide series of large-scale geometric installations created by artists Yelena Filipchuk and Serge Beaulieu. Permanent installations can be seen across the world in places including Las Vegas, Dubai, Istanbul and San Francisco. These geometrical pieces present beautiful light shows at night.

KROGER MURAL BY CHROMA PROJECTS

This mural celebrates the vibrant abundance and joy of fresh produce. Inspired by the natural forms, colors, and textures of fruits, each element is painted in a bold, pop-art style that draws the viewer into the lively world of wholesome, nourishing food. By enlarging and stylizing these fruits—like the peach, blood orange, blueberry, and melon—we highlight the richness and diversity that food brings to our lives.

KROGER MURAL BY LUKE LEHENBAUER

This mural is a celebration of the profound beauty of human connection. At its heart, it depicts a simple yet powerful act: one person handing food and water to another. This gesture transcends barriers, embodying the essence of what it means to be a community. 

In creating this piece, I sought to remind viewers that community is not defined by grand gestures or abstract ideals, but by the everyday acts of care and solidarity that sustain us. Food and water are the most basic necessities of life, and their exchange represents trust, empathy, and a commitment to shared well-being. 

The figures in the mural are intentionally open and universal, inviting viewers to see themselves in both roles— as those who give and those who receive. The vibrant colors and flowing shapes symbolize the energy and warmth that emerge when people come together to help one another.

This work is a call to action and reflection: how can we ensure that no one in our community goes without, and how can we amplify these quiet moments of humanity in our own lives? At its best, this mural serves as both a reminder and an inspiration for what we can achieve together.

KROGER MURALS BY DERRICK TOEBBE & JENNY USTICK

Derek Toebbe is an Artist, Muralist and Designer living and working in Covington, KY. He attended Northern Kentucky University and received a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Painting. He has since maintained a multifaceted art practice and has been featured in many local and regional exhibitions, as well as producing large scale mural projects both independently and with the Cincinnati based non-profit arts program: Artworks. Derek's personal art philosophy is steeped in existentialism, geometry, mythology, geologic timescales, social critique, and the belief that humanity's true divinity lies in its ability to create anything that it can imagine.