Kadeena Cox Mural

Artist: Hyro Graff

Subject: Kadeena Cox

With thanks to: Kadeena Cox, [Kadeena Cox mum and sister], Reginald Centre staff and visitors 
 
Produced in consultation with Kadeena Cox, her family and members of the Chapeltown community, the mural celebrates para-athlete Kadeena Cox.  
 
Using a heat signature lens, artist Hyro Graff brings style and warmth to the mural. The colours and imagery connect to various parts of Kadeena’s life and heritage.  
 
Beginning competitive sprinting aged 15, the runner silhouette reflects her early sporting career. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2014, the orange colours in the mural reference the orange ribbon, a symbol for MS awareness.  The hummingbird and green background connect to her Jamaican heritage and the yellow hair and face represent a phoenix rising through adversity. Bringing the artwork to the present day, the bike in green reflect Kadeena’s journey and the Kadeena Cox academy, established in 2021.  
 
This is one of five murals commissioned as part of the Leeds Museums and Galleries project On the pitch, off the pitch: Sporting Heritage in Leeds. #DYC on the pitch, off the pitch is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players.