Memorial Hall (University of Kentucky)

Landmark building on the University of Kentucky campus

Memorial Hall (UK building number 0049) located at 610 South Limestone Street is a prominent building on the campus of the University of Kentucky. It is approximately 17,012 square feet and 130 feet tall. Completed in 1929 as a memorial to those who died in World War I, it is used for lectures and performances, and also serves as a site for graduation ceremonies of some colleges within the university. From 1969 to 1970 major renovations of the interior of the building took place. The additions include new flooring, seating, powder rooms, lighting, and air conditioning.

Ann Rice O’Hanlon was a Kentucky native who was well known for her artwork across Kentucky. After graduating from the University of Kentucky, the director of the UK Art Department invited her back to create a fresco mural. This would be one of its first in the state of Kentucky to be created. The canvas was a 40 ft by 8 ft wall located in Memorial Hall and the subject of the mural was the history of Kentucky. The fresco technique uses powdered pigments, water, and lime plaster applied to a canvas. This takes a tremendous amount of confidence, speed, and patience because the plaster mix dries quickly and only can be applied in increments. Therefore, once the lime plaster dries, the mural is attached to the wall and makes it difficult to remove. In 2015, sheets were placed over the mural because of the nationwide controversy it drew. In the wake of the George Floyd protests, UK President Eli Capilouto announced on June 5, 2020, that the mural would be removed, becoming one of several memorials and depictions so removed. In his announcement, Eli Capilouto said, "We have not been immune from racial prejudice and hate, but I believe deeply that there is a commitment to doing better tomorrow than we are doing today. It’s against that imperfect and human backdrop that I am directing our facilities team to immediately begin the process of removing the mural in Memorial Hall."

On August 15, 2018, Karyn Olivier was chosen by the Memorial Hall Committee to create a mural in the Memorial Hall building. Olivier notes that it wasn't her place to simply paint something that equates to the O'Hanlon mural. In fact, she even admits that she doesn't want the mural to be taken down because she'd "rather see an acknowledgement of slavery than no slavery at all." O'Hanlon's mural depicts that Kentucky was built on the backs of slaves, and Olivier wanted to honor black and brown Kentuckians by creating Witness. She hoped that using colors like gold would help to elevate oppressed figures and give a sense of "rebirth". Her painting can be found on the dome ceiling inside the building where the, "work would create a new context and new lens through which to view, critique and wrestle with O'Hanlon's mural."