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By the end of his fellowship, Moore’s exhibit, \"The Work of Several Lifetimes,\" was lined with 10 detailed oil paintings and 10 etchings of blue-collar campus workers.

\"It starts a bigger conversation about who deserves to be recognized,\" Moore said.

Five of these paintings have now been purchased by the university and will be permanently displayed around campus. One piece is already on full display at the Princeton University Art Museum.

\"PHOTO:
Hope VanCleaf/Lewis Center for the Arts/Trustees of Princeton
PHOTO: Princeton University residential food service workers Howard Sutphin and Kaniesha Long smile while standing in front of their portrait by Mario Moore.
>

Future generations of students will now see more representation on walls around the university. For Sann Sanneh, who graduated from Princeton last spring, that means the world.

\"When you see the subject in a painting, you immediately think it’s someone important,\" Sanneh told \"GMA.\" \"While I was at Princeton, most of the portraits I saw were of older white men and I could not tell you the name of a single one of them. It made me feel belittled.\"

Before graduating, Sanneh produced a senior thesis photo exhibition focused on black subjects. He often worked down the hall from Moore and understands the importance of showcasing individuals who play a major part in keeping the school running.

\"I’d be willing to bet that a vast majority of the student body could name at least one or two people from Mario’s paintings because they are literally the backbone of our university,\" he said.

\"PHOTO:
Courtesy Mario Moore
PHOTO: Mario Moore's portrait of Hank Towns, a retired athletic department equipment manager who worked at Princeton University for over 30 years.
>

The hard work of blue-collar workers, especially those who are African American, is often overlooked. Through his efforts, Moore hopes to highlight the importance of representation and start a greater conversation about who deserves to be recognized.

\"Most universities and institutions are grounded upon blue-collar workers. Now students who walk around these halls will be able to see something a little more contemporary and present,\" he said. \"It starts a bigger conversation.\"

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