In late May 2024, a crowd of spectators gathered outside the Downtown Valley Mall in El Monte, CA, to witness the dedication of a long-anticipated mural project. The mural, commissioned by the City of El Monte and created by California graffiti artist Man One, honors the memory of Kizh Nation Chief Ernest "Ernie" Teutimez Salas, who passed in 2021 at 88. The eye-catching mural, titled "Kizh Spirit in the Sky,” features a portrait of the chief in ceremonial attire, his gaze fixed on the western horizon.
Now, a new documentary short by award-winning filmmaker Vonjako sheds light on the story behind the Kizh mural and its dedication. Produced by NOT REAL ART's parent organization, Crewest Studio, the 10-minute film follows Man One and participating members of the Kizh tribe throughout the mural’s creation. “For years, I’ve been trying to get a mural of the chief,” says Man One, who has worked alongside the City of El Monte since 2021 to complete the enormous portrait. The brightly colored mural measures over 80 feet high and includes iconography associated with the Kizh Nation, like eagles, yucca, and willow branches.
Watch the documentary on ‘Kizh Spirit in the Sky’
“All of this community [in El Monte] was part of the village of my ancestors,” says Andrew Salas, tribal chair of the Kizh Nation and longtime friend of the mural’s artist, Man One. “There’s been a lack of history and acknowledgment in our communities of where we are today,” he continues, adding, “This painting gives that knowledge to everybody, not just the generations that are coming behind us, but the generations of today.”
At the dedication on May 23, Andrew spoke about his father’s spiritual legacy: “Not only was he a great leader and community member, he did everything for his communities to protect and serve the history and legacy of our ancestors.”
Watch the documentary on “Kizh Spirit in the Sky” on the player above, then scroll down for project images. Special thanks to the City of El Monte AT&T, mural production assistants Joel Lopez and David Russell, MuralColors’ Carlos Rogel and Davida Persaud, and the Kizh Nation, including consulting tribal members Andrew Salas, Ernie Salas Jr., Nadine Salas, and Matthew Teutimez.
View the Photo Gallery
This feature has been edited for length and clarity. All photos published with permission of Man One and Joel Lopez.