Murals are a testament to the new world and our unique take on culture. In this post, I want to ensure you know that I am referring to modern day murals. This post will not include fine art murals such as the Sistine Chapel for example. The focus here is on street artists and their impact on the world.
Flower Thrower by Banksy
The Flower Thrower is also known as Love is in the Air. It is one of Banksy’s most iconic and widely recognized murals. For most of high school, I had a poster of it in my room!
The mural shows a masked protester hurling a bouquet of flowers instead of a Molotov cocktail. This image is a powerful mix of violence and peace. It highlights the Banksy’s trademark blend of social commentary and satire.
The mural was found in 2003 on a wall in Jerusalem during Banksy’s visit to the West Bank. Banksy is known for his secretive and often illegal street art installations. The piece is believed to be a commentary on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is symbolizing the desire for peace amid ongoing unrest. Ironic that it was created so long ago with the current issues we face, isnt it?
The Flower Thrower has gained significant reputation and admiration within the art world and beyond. It has become an emblem of Banksy’s distinctive style. The mural’s popularity has led to it being reproduced on various mediums. This is including prints, merchandise, and even tattoos.
The Flower Thrower also sparks discussions about the role of street art in society. particularly in addressing political and social issues. Also, it’s enduring relevance underscores the impact of Banksy’s work in provoking thought and challenging conventional norms. The Flower Thrower remains a poignant symbol of hope and defiance.
Hush by Jef Aerosol
The “Hush” mural by Jef Aerosol is a striking piece of street art located in Paris, France. Created in 2017, the mural depicts a woman with her finger to her lips in a gesture of silence or secrecy. The artwork is rendered in Jef Aerosol’s signature stencil style. It is characterized by bold lines and dynamic compositions.
Born Jean-François Perroy in 1957, is a prominent French street artist known for his large-scale stenciled portraits. He emerged as a pioneer of the French street art scene in the 1980s. Also, he has since gained international fame for his unique style and prolific output.
One possible interpretation of the “Hush” mural is that it symbolizes the idea of silence or secrecy. This is with societal pressures or political issues. The woman depicted in the mural, with her finger to her lips. This could represent the silenced voices or marginalized individuals whose stories are often overlooked or ignored.
Additionally, the gesture of “hushing” may evoke themes of censorship. Also, suppression of dissent, or the need for privacy in an era of digital communication.
Another interpretation could be that the mural encourages viewers to pause, reflect, and listen attentively. This could be to the world around them, to the stories of others, or to their own inner thoughts and feelings.
Nelson Mandela by Shepard Fairey
The Nelson Mandela Mural by Shepard Fairey is a super significant work of street art. It pays homage to the South African revolutionary and former president, Nelson Mandela. Also, this mural is part of Fairey’s larger body of work. The sum of the work is dedicated to influential figures and social justice causes.
Shepard Fairey is an American contemporary street artist, graphic designer, and activist. He gained widespread recognition for his “Hope” poster featuring Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign. Fairey’s art carries political themes and aims to provoke thought and inspire action.
The Nelson Mandela Mural was created by Shepard Fairey in 2014. It is in honor of Mandela’s legacy as a symbol of peace, reconciliation, and freedom. To add, this mural features his portrait with words such as “Justice,” “Equality,” and “Freedom.”
Fairey’s artistic journey began in the skateboarding and punk rock scenes of the late 1980s and early 1990s. He gained prominence with his “Obey Giant” street art campaign. This campaign evolved into a broader exploration of propaganda, consumerism, and power structures.
Also, the mural is a reflection of Fairey’s commitment to using art as a tool for activism and social change. Fairey’s mural serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality worldwide.
We The Youth by Keith Haring
“We the Youth” is a mural created by Keith Haring in 1987 as part of a public art initiative in Philadelphia. This piece is commissioned by the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program to celebrate the city’s youth and promote social unity.
Keith Haring (1958-1990) is an influential American artist and social activist. He is known for his distinctive style characterized by bold lines, vivid colors, and iconic symbols. Emerging from the New York City street art scene of the 1980s, Haring’s work often addressed social and political issues. Some of the most impactful being AIDS awareness, apartheid, and urban decay.
“We the Youth” is a prime example of Haring’s commitment to using art as a tool for social change. The mural depicts a diverse group of figures dancing, playing, and embracing, symbolizing the vitality and resilience of youth. Haring’s use of bold lines and vibrant colors infuses the mural with energy and optimism, inviting viewers to celebrate the spirit of youthfulness and community.
The impact of “We the Youth” extends beyond its physical presence in Philadelphia. Haring’s mural has become an iconic symbol of youth culture and community empowerment. Its message of inclusivity and solidarity resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds, inspiring generations to embrace creativity, diversity, and social activism.
9/11 Tribute by Lady Pink
This 9/11 tribute is powerful in many ways. Created in 2001, Lady Pink encompasses so much detail in this mural. This one might be my favorite mural on the list.
The mural was created as a tribute to those that lost their lives in 9/11. It was created primarily for the heroes that risked themselves for the greater cause. You can find this mural in Queens, New York.
Lady Pink emerged as a prominent figure in the New York City street art scene during the 1980s. She began her graffiti career at the age of 15. She gained recognition for her vibrant and intricate graffiti pieces, often featuring strong female characters and bold lettering.
Lady Pink became one of the few prominent female graffiti artists during a time when the graffiti subculture was male-dominated. She played a significant role in breaking gender barriers within the graffiti community. Also, advocating for female empowerment through her art.
The Giant of Boston by Os Gemeos
“The Giant of Boston” is a monumental mural created by the Brazilian artist duo Os Gemeos. Os Gemeos is consisting of twin brothers Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo. The mural was commissioned in 2012 by the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy. This is part of their contemporary public art program in Boston, Massachusetts.
The mural covers the side of a building in Dewey Square, near Boston’s South Station. Also, it measures approximately 70 feet tall and 76 feet wide. It depicts a giant, colorful figure wearing a turban-like headdress and surrounded by swirling patterns and symbols.