Mixed Reaction Murals
Murals for the most part beautify a space, but some public murals can stir controversy, while others can bring communities together.
Here’s a relatively new mural painted in Atlanta on what used to be a graffiti covered wall. It happens to be near several churches, schools and in direct view of traffic. The progressive mural shows a woman in various states of undress, where her tattoos become her dress that she disrobes and it becomes a dog. The Spanish artist Hyuro was commissioned by The Living Walls Conference, a nonprofit organization to paint the mural. Upon it’s completion, many have traveled from far distances to see it as it has been equally praised and criticized by critics. It may be painted over soon depending on the outcome of a neighborhood meeting. Personally, I don’t find it offensive and I like its “flip-book” transformative quality; however, I understand that its location may not be appropriately placed. (Too bad it wasn’t painted on Casart, then it could be moved.)
Note — Since I have written this post, the community has voted to paint over this mural.
An exact opposite reaction has occurred with the newly painted mural in Fredericksburg, VA. It is prominently painted on the outside of the BikeWorld Building and on a main street approaching the town. The process took 4 long years and was vetted through the City Council and the Arts Commission. The neighborhood, businesses and the community have received it openly. The concept was to show a modern day woman on a bicycle overlooking a vista of the colonial town of Frederickburg and it was to be painted in a vintage style postcard, which gives the impression that it has existed for quite some time. It achieves it’s effect beautifully and fortunately for me, it’s not too far so I can actually see it. I like visiting the town of Fredericksburg as well. Its intriguing to see the progression of how this mural was painted in this video. I also have to commend the artists for involving the area’s art students to participate. What a learning experience. Funding for the mural as well as scholarship money for the students who participated was procured.
casart
I'm an artist, wife and mother of two boys. I started my illustration business, The Occasional Palette over 35 years ago, when my oldest son was an infant. Once my children were in school, I began painting decorative, faux finishes and murals through my second business, Casart, now over 30 years old. My third business, Casart Coverings, is a springboard from my second. Click on the link on the sidebar to see innovative, custom, designer wallcovering, removable and reusable wallpaper and coordinating decor.
