CANVAS
CANVAS is a Relational Art multimedia piece for boxers, musicians, gym sounds, acrylic, and boxing ring canvas. Conceptualized and directed by multidisciplinary artist, creative director, and Chicago Golden Gloves Champion Noelia Cruz and co-mposed with fighters from the Chicago Park District Boxing Program.
The work features gestural shadow-paintings on 8’ x 8’ panels and kinetic scores performed live by improviser musicians.
In a series of art films CANVAS documents a process where the body of work is the body of work.
For its first three presentations the project was developed in partnership with Ethan Cowburn and boxers from the Chicago Park District Boxing Program, including participants from Hamlin Park, Humboldt Park, and Calumet Park.
The shadowpainting scores were interpreted live by renowned musicians: Ed Wilkerson, Zachary Good, James Singleton, Roy Preyas, Ethan Cowburn and Coach Johnny Plaza.
In 2026 CANVAS partners with Colectivo Sayba to present CANVAS-Cocobalé at the Humboldt Park Annual Boxing Show and with Kokobalero’ de lo’ Manglares to present CANVAS-cocolembe at Hamlin Park.
Co-mposed and Directed by Noelia Cruz
In this musical sparring, musicians interpret the kinetic score created from shadow-painting movements of Hamlin Park Chicago Park District boxers.
As the musicians watch the footage for the first time, they respond in real time to fighters’ gestures, tempo, and counter-rhythms.
Artist, boxer, and musician co-mpose across mediums in a corner where roles become interchangeable.
Musicians:
Ethan Cowburn — percussion
Zachary Good — clarinet, reeds
Preyas Roy — vibraphone
James Singleton — bass & trumpet
Coach Johnny Plaza — congas
Edward Wilkerson Jr. — saxophone, clarinet, yidaki
Noelia Cruz — boxing bell, clappers, hammer, sound art mix
Art Partners:
Night Out in the Parks, Chicago Park District Boxing Program, Johnny Plaza, Eighth Blackbird Productions 8BB