SEI and the Phillies invited local artists to submit mural concepts that celebrate Philadelphia’s culture, Phillies fandom, and our mission to build brave futuresSM through the power of connection. With the support of Mural Arts Philadelphia, we carefully reviewed more than 20 eligible submissions, rating them on aesthetic value, originality, technical skill, interpretation, and thematic consistency.
Jose “Busta” Bustamante’s Next Generation received the grand prize and is boldly featured in left-center field above Ashburn Alley at Citizens Bank Park during the 2024 Major League Baseball season.
Jose Bustamante, who goes by Busta, is an artist from Chia, Colombia, currently residing in New Jersey. Busta finds inspiration from exposure to different cultures, including upbringing in an indigenous community, hip hop, and other social scenes. Together, these influences drive him to focus heavily on colorful portraits, animals, lettering, and typography as a form of personal artistic expression.
About Next Generation—in Busta’s own words
For this mural I chose to depict a young boy and girl as the main characters, symbolizing the next generation of athletes who will carry on the rich heritage of the sport.
It was important for me imbue these characters with a sense of strength, hope, and confidence. To achieve this, I dressed the young girl in a 47 Phillies cap and hoodie, featuring the iconic burgundy and baby blue colors associated with the team. This choice not only pays homage to the past, but also reflects the girl’s commitment and curiosity toward the sport.
On the other hand, I adorned the young boy with a bright red and blue cap and windbreaker, featuring the new Phillies logo. By incorporating the team’s latest branding, I aimed to emphasize the connection between the past and the future, while also showcasing the boy’s enthusiasm for the sport.
Creating a nostalgic and futuristic background
To enhance the overall message of the mural, I carefully selected the background. I opted for an inside view of the iconic Citizens Bank Park, bathed in a sunset color palette. This choice serves two purposes: First, it evokes a feeling of nostalgia, reminding viewers of the rich history associated with the team. Second, the sunset hues lend a futuristic ambiance to the artwork, symbolizing the promising future that lies ahead for the Phillies.
In order to further enhance the concept of connection, I decided to incorporate the rectangles from the SEI logo. These geometric shapes not only add visual interest to the mural, but also serve as a powerful symbol of unity and collaboration. By changing the colors of these rectangles, I aimed to emphasize the concept of bringing together the past, present, and future.
