And Speed up to the Track Portion

I’ve really been enjoying watching the Olympics, more than I remember for the summer version in the past. With only this week to go, here’s a mural that caught my eye for color, rendition and subject.

Usain Bolt, the Jamaican Olympic 100m and 200m record holder is depicted in a large scale public mural in East London, painted by the Australian street artist James Cochran, who is also known as Jimmy C. In comparison to the Bansky’s mural and other street art that was “removed” just six days after one was painted due to a complaint, this colorful mural seems to captivate people’s attention. It’s exceptionally painted and really captures the sense of movement with its burst of color that comes from the speed of a champion runner. This brings that phrase “going the speed of light” to mind.

I’m also fascinated with the process. Here’s an earlier stage of the work also via Hungeree.

And the final piece as it remains to be enjoyed on the wall via Zap2It.

You may want to scroll down Hungeree’s site because there are some really wonderful murals here like this coffee bean one in Moscow. The mural image was painted on top of a layer of coffee beans affixed to the wall. I wonder about longevity….

…Or this Michael Pilato “Inspiration for State College” Mural that he painted for Penn State and then recently repainted over Jerry Sandusky. Since this photo was taken, Coach Joe Paterno has also been removed.

…or an Olympic swimmer sculpture being installed in Omaha, where the US Olympic swim team trials began…

…or this wonderful photo of a Belinda Hocking, an Australian Olympic swimmer, who appears as sculptural glass with this miraculous stopped-action shot.

Back to the Olympics. It’s time to watch the track portion.

But if you’re looking for interesting murals in while in London, go to the Londonist and take a mural tour while there.