The Spirit Runs Through It: Lenticular Mural Sets Dove in Motion

As faculty and students return to campus and stroll through the second floor of the Union, they can’t help but notice a new piece of art.

The mural Spiritus Vivus—or Spirit Alive—is eye-catching because of its size: 20 by 3 feet, depicting landmarks across campus.

In addition, it’s intriguing because as you walk alongside the work by muralist Gerard Tonti, a dove “released” on one side of the work “flies” alongside you, spreading its spirit across campus. The main panel is bound by two side panels that shift between being doves and the trademark Duquesne “D.” Depending on where you are and how fast you walk next to the painting, your view of the work will change each time, Tonti said.

This unusual mural, unveiled at June’s Legacy campaign celebration, is printed from 32 different copies of the digital painting interlaced together so that they work like animation frames. It uses a high-tech version of the “flicker” and “wiggle” technology that put the animation into prizes found in cereals and snacks.

Printed in New York by one of only three companies around the world to produce large-scale lenticular works,  the piece has a custom-built, ridged lens over it to expose one frame at a time, said Tonti, whose African work graces Laval House and whose  graphic dove faces Forbes Avenue from Chatham Square.

Spiritus Vivus honors the most successful fundraising campaign in University history. This artistry reminds us that every day at Duquesne, the Spirit that gives life runs through and with us.