The Requiem of Light mural was created as a permanent representation of the civic arts project honoring the thousands of St. Louisans who lost their lives to COVID-19. Conceived and brought to life by artist Fatou Kane, the mural reflects the project’s central vision: that the light of those lost continues to illuminate the grief, love, and hope of those who remain.
As part of the St. Louis Mural Project, funded through ARPA for the Arts and managed by RAC, this mural joins the 28 murals created by local artists across the city in 2024, and is in addition to the IMAGINE! mural created in 2025, commemorating the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis’ work over the last four decades.
Representing the impact of COVID-19 in St. Louis, the Requiem of Light mural was a fitting final addition to a project supported by the American Rescue Plan Act to address the pandemic’s economic and public health effects.
The Requiem of Light Memorial Lantern Ceremony was held on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at the Grand Basin in Forest Park. Envisioned by Washington University in St. Louis professor Rebecca Messbarger, a leader in Medical Humanities and cultural historian of medicine, the gathering was inspired by East Asian paper lantern traditions and featured original music composed for the memorial concert by Dr. Philip Woodmore.
“This project reflects the best of St. Louis—the spirit of generosity and togetherness that shines most brightly in times of need. Just as the Requiem of Light concerts and lantern ceremony gathered our community in song, story, and shared ritual, so too does this mural proclaim that we will not forget,” said Professor Rebecca Messbarger. “We are grateful to the Regional Arts Commission and the Requiem Fund for this enduring partnership, which ensures that those we lost remain present in the life of our city.”
The mural marks the memorial ceremony in history, standing at the heart of the city as a place of remembrance and renewal, where grief may be honored and hope continually rekindled.
Title: Requiem of Light
Artist: Fatou Kane
Location: 2209 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103
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