Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Molecullar Mandala

Name Class Date

david mauricio bowen-petterson, Molecullar Mandala (2007), East Baton Rouge Parish Library. Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder.

The facts

Artist
david mauricio bowen-petterson wahooart.com/en/artists/david-mauricio-bowen-petterson/
Artist’s dates
1983 – ?
Painted
2007
Held at
East Baton Rouge Parish Library wahooart.com/en/museums/east-baton-rouge-parish-library-baton-rouge/

In context

Molecullar Mandala — david mauricio bowen-petterson

When was this painted?

  1. 1980
  2. 1990
  3. 2000

Shaded: the lifetime of david mauricio bowen-petterson (1983–?) ▲ this work, 2007

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: wahooart.com/en/art/similar/david-mauricio-bowen-petterson-molecullar-mandala-DD26S5-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Plum #ea9eaf

    Catalogued palette

    • #EA9EAF
    • #4A5F61
    • #2D98C6
    • #CA9E4C
    Palette
    Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Plum
    Intensity
    Vivid How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Balanced How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Discordant Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Brilliant How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Clear Color Presence How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    david mauricio bowen-petterson

    Born in Highland Park, United States of America

    The Rhythmic Genesis of a Multi-Disciplinary Visionary

    Born in the vibrant atmosphere of Highland Park, New Jersey, in 1983, David Mauricio Bowen-Petterson—known to the global stage as David Rush—embarks on a creative journey that defies the traditional boundaries between sound and sight. His early identity was forged in the high-energy crucible of hip hop production and rap, where he established a formidable presence within the influential Mr. 305 Inc. collective. Under monikers such as Young Bo$$, his rhythmic sensibilities were honed through collaborations with industry titans like Pitbull, contributing to tracks that resonated through the charts. This era of his life was defined by infectious beats and the pursuit of sonic perfection, providing a foundational pulse that would later inform his visual language. The momentum of his musical career, including producing hits for artists like Jason Derulo, served as a precursor to a much broader exploration of creativity, moving from the auditory landscapes of the recording studio to the infinite possibilities of the digital canvas.

    From Sonic Landscapes to Digital Frontiers

    As his career progressed, the boundaries between his musical production and his visual artistry began to dissolve, giving rise to a profound and immersive digital aesthetic. The same energy found in his work with Akon and Pitbull found a new medium in the digital realm, where he began to translate rhythm into color and pattern. His art is not merely a collection of images but an extension of his sonic explorations, characterized by themes of futurism and psychedelic exploration. In works such as Venusian Sunrise and Globular Cluster with Elliptical Star Trails, one can perceive the layered complexity of a producer’s mind, where every stroke acts like a well-placed beat in a composition. He utilizes bold lines and vibrant, saturated colors to create immersive experiences that mirror the intensity of a contemporary hip hop track, inviting the viewer into a space where technology and imagination collide.

    The Convergence of Technology and Psychedelia

    The true significance of David Rush lies in his ability to bridge the gap between the tangible rhythm of the street and the intangible frontiers of digital technology. His pieces, such as Mesozoic Mosaic and the evocative Homunculus Experimenting with the Essence of Life, serve as windows into a futuristic consciousness. Through the use of intricate patterns and cosmic imagery, he invites the viewer to wander through landscapes that feel both alien and deeply rhythmic. His legacy is one of seamless integration, proving that the pulse of a beat and the glow of a pixel are but two different frequencies of the same creative spirit. By blending the grit of his musical roots with the polished precision of digital art, he has carved out a unique space in contemporary art, where the following elements converge:

    The Pulse of Hip Hop: A rhythmic foundation that dictates the flow and energy of his visual compositions.

    Digital Futurism: The use of cutting-edge tools to explore themes of science fiction and technological evolution.

    Psychedelic Depth: An exploration of layered patterns and vibrant colors that evoke a sense of transcendental experience.

    Museum

    East Baton Rouge Parish Library

    On show in Baton Rouge, United States of America

    A Sanctuary of Stories: The East Baton Rouge Parish Library

    In the heart of Louisiana’s vibrant capital, where the humid air carries the whispers of the Mississippi, stands the East Baton Rouge Parish Library—a true beacon of communal intellect and cultural preservation. More than a mere repository for printed volumes, this institution serves as a living tapestry of the region's soul. Established in 1939 from a humble collection of donated secondhand books, the library has undergone a magnificent metamorphosis. What began as a modest endeavor to share knowledge has blossomed into an expansive, multi-branch system that mirrors the growth and dynamism of East Baton Rouge Parish itself. It is a place where the weight of history meets the lightness of modern discovery, offering a sanctuary for those seeking both the solace of a quiet corner and the thrill of new perspectives.

    The architectural essence of the library system is a masterclass in creating harmony between grandeur and accessibility. The Main Library, nestled within the prestigious Goodwood Historic District, serves as the crown jewel of this collection. Its design draws inspiration from the Beaux Arts tradition, utilizing stately proportions and an emphasis on natural light to create an atmosphere of dignified contemplation. This deliberate use of luminosity does more than just illuminate the reading rooms; it symbolizes the library's core mission: that knowledge should be transparent, radiant, and available to every citizen. As one moves through its spacious study areas and collaborative meeting rooms, there is a palpable sense of openness, an architectural invitation to engage with the world and one's neighbors alike.

    To wander through the library’s collections is to embark on a curated journey through the multifaceted identity of Louisiana. The archives are rich with local history, offering deep dives into the cultural evolution of the region—from the intricate legacies of Creole folk art to the sweeping vistas of Impressionist landscapes. For the collector of ideas and the lover of fine aesthetics, the library provides a unique intersection of tradition and innovation. While one might find themselves lost in the tactile charm of historical manuscripts, they are equally likely to encounter cutting-edge digital resources and interactive learning stations that bridge the gap between the printed page and the digital frontier. This seamless fusion ensures that the library remains a vital, breathing entity, capable of evolving alongside the technological tides of the twenty-first century.

    Beyond its physical walls, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library acts as a catalyst for creativity and community engagement. Through vibrant exhibitions and outreach programs, it nurtures the next generation of thinkers and artists. The library’s commitment to fostering literacy and celebrating local artistic traditions makes it an indispensable pillar of the Baton Rouge landscape. It is a place where the past is meticulously preserved through scholarly pursuits, yet the future is actively shaped through community dialogue and educational empowerment. For the art lover, the interior designer seeking inspiration in classical forms, or the lifelong learner, this library stands as an enduring monument to the transformative power of human curiosity.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Molecullar Mandala

    wahooart.com/en/art/download/david-mauricio-bowen-petterson-molecullar-mandala-DD26S5-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    bowen-petterson, david mauricio. Molecullar Mandala. 2007, East Baton Rouge Parish Library. https://wahooart.com/en/art/david-mauricio-bowen-petterson-molecullar-mandala-DD26S5-en/
    APA
    bowen-petterson, david mauricio (2007). Molecullar Mandala [Painting]. East Baton Rouge Parish Library. https://wahooart.com/en/art/david-mauricio-bowen-petterson-molecullar-mandala-DD26S5-en/
    Chicago
    david mauricio bowen-petterson. Molecullar Mandala. 2007. East Baton Rouge Parish Library. https://wahooart.com/en/art/david-mauricio-bowen-petterson-molecullar-mandala-DD26S5-en/
    Harvard
    bowen-petterson, david mauricio (2007) Molecullar Mandala. East Baton Rouge Parish Library. Available at: https://wahooart.com/en/art/david-mauricio-bowen-petterson-molecullar-mandala-DD26S5-en/

    Look closely

    Molecullar Mandala — david mauricio bowen-petterson

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Look back at Globular Cluster with Ellipitcal Star Trails (2006), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    4. david mauricio bowen-petterson was about 24 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?
    5. What might the artist have wanted you to feel?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.