As a nod to boxing’s community, the work moves through the lens of relational art; embracing a process of co-creation between boxers, musicians, and the artist, where the canvas becomes a kinetic score, the boxer’s footwork becomes brushstroke, and each interaction becomes both process and performance. CANVAS is built through shared process, community, movement, rhythm, history, and the power of collaboration, discipline, and interconnectedness.
Dedication
To my coach Johnny,
for getting me back into rhythm, making me a winner in his book and being unconditionally in my corner.
for getting me back into rhythm, making me a winner in his book and being unconditionally in my corner.
CANVAS
Concept, Direction & Relational Art: Noelia Cruz
Executive Producers: Eighth Blackbird
Production Director: Ethan Cowburn
CANVAS
for improvisers ensemble, boxers, saxophone, clarinet, vibraphone, bass, congas, boxing bell, boxing clappers, boxing sounds and percussion.
Kinetic Score
Co-created through the shadowboxing movements of Chicago Park District Boxers
Composer
Noelia Cruz (in collaboration with Chicago Park District Boxers)
Relational Art Work
Gestural shadow-paintings in collaboration with Chicago Park District Boxers
Conceptual Artist: Noelia Cruz
Conceptual Artist: Noelia Cruz
Interpreted live by the Ensemble
Ethan Cowburn – percussion, collaborator, management
Zachary Good – clarinet
Preyas Roy – vibraphone
James Singleton – bass & trumpet
Johnny Plaza – congas
Ed Wilkerson-saxophone
Ethan Cowburn – percussion, collaborator, management
Zachary Good – clarinet
Preyas Roy – vibraphone
James Singleton – bass & trumpet
Johnny Plaza – congas
Ed Wilkerson-saxophone
Noelia Cruz – boxing bell, clappers, hammer, sound art mix
Chicago Park District Fighters who shadowboxed, shadowpainted, and shadowcomposed in this piece
Abdiel Rosado
Addison
Amory Graves
Anthony Mendez
Ari Davis
Asma Awass
Ayden Sullivan
Brian Ellis
Briana Arias
Charlie Anderson
Daniel Reyes
Darius Mason
Daville Wells
David Díaz-World Champion & Olympian, Hamlin Park
Edwar Arias
Elijah Vazquez
Eric Claudio
Ethan Sosa
Fres Oquendo-World Champion, Hamlin Park
Harry Glass
Ivy Jones
Jaiden Medina
Javier Rodriguez
Jayceon Shelton
Jesus Bermudes
Jonas Rivera
Jordan Johnson
Jose Ortega
Joseph Hernandez
Josiah Denis
Julian Garcia
Juliet LopezLaila Minnifield
Liam Hernandez
Luis Mateo-Champion & Olympian, Humboldt Park
Luis Miranda
Maria Lopez
Marco Colon
Marco Colon Jr.
Nathaniel Perez
Nikolas Cuevas
Nino
Omar Gomez
Phill Smedja
Ramiro Hernandez
Ricardo Valdivia
Samantha Patlan
Sullivan
Susie Lopez
Tellis White Jr.
Tristan Butler
Victoria
Yamileth Gomez
Portage Park Featured Boxers
Adrian Martinez
Shane Dossett
Noel Garcia
Darian Perlata
Alexis Salgado
Night Out in the Parks and Eighth Blackbird
CANVAS Film Production: Noelia Cruz
Photography: Noelia Cruz
Chicago Park District Boxing
Director: Angel Ocasio
Humboldt Park Coach: Johnny Plaza
Hamlin Park Coach: Jesus Cerda
Calumet Park Coach: Clemon Clay
Featured Coach: Henry Marban (Portage Park)
Featured Referee: Nate Holcomb
Special Thanks to:
Ethan Cowburn
Lisa Kaplan, Eighth Blakcbird Director & Founder
Matthew Duvall, Eighth Blakcbird Director & Founder Humboldt Park
Chicago Park District Staff
Nellie Román, Humboldt Park Art Program Director
Raquel Maldonado, Chicago Park District Region Manager
Jesus Pérez, Humboldt Park Supervisor
Richard Blake, Hamlin Park Supervisor
Margaret Halquist, Night Out in the Parks Program Event Coordinator
Lisa Kaplan, Eighth Blakcbird Director & Founder
Matthew Duvall, Eighth Blakcbird Director & Founder Humboldt Park
Chicago Park District Staff
Nellie Román, Humboldt Park Art Program Director
Raquel Maldonado, Chicago Park District Region Manager
Jesus Pérez, Humboldt Park Supervisor
Richard Blake, Hamlin Park Supervisor
Margaret Halquist, Night Out in the Parks Program Event Coordinator
And all the wonderful Park employees who so carefully assisted with this art piece:
Darnell Williams
Jerry Collazo
Amado DeLeon
Eladio Rivera
Ray Calixto
Carmen
Patricia
CANVAS Film
Director: Noelia Cruz
Camera: Noelia Cruz
Editor: Noelia Cruz
Staff, Partners & Collaborators
Panels fabricated in collaboration with: Fabrication 408
Associate Graphic Designer: Randy Ford
Public Relations & Media Manager: Nina D. Sánchez
Web Design & Editorial Consulting: Camila Cruz
Featured Fighter: Joey Borrero
Easel Engineer: Mike Sánchez
CANVAS
© 2025 Noelia Cruz. All Rights Reserved
Panels fabricated in collaboration with: Fabrication 408
Associate Graphic Designer: Randy Ford
Public Relations & Media Manager: Nina D. Sánchez
Web Design & Editorial Consulting: Camila Cruz
Featured Fighter: Joey Borrero
Easel Engineer: Mike Sánchez
Performances Sound Engineering: Eva Duvall & Matthew Duvall
Production Management: Ethan Cowburn
Production Management: Ethan Cowburn
CANVAS
© 2025 Noelia Cruz. All Rights Reserved