Murals are making inroads into communities once again in ways that are meaningful and constructive, not only decorative.
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An outgrowth of the illegal graffiti and Street Art movements, this new mural renaissance has once again engaged with the community rather than functioning as a means of protest or defiance. In our minds, art can serve many important roles in the communication of principles, ideas, values – and each expression in public space contains an opportunity for better, stronger, connections among community members.
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Here in Erie, Pennsylvania a senior member of the community has been given an honor by Dominican born artist, muralist & designer EVOCA1, who painted a soaring portrait of Rudy Daniels on the side of Methodist Towers, where he lives. Blind since age 20 from a gunshot wound, the 71 year old has been a positive and familiar fixture on area streets and sidewalks and businesses for quite some time.
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A project endorsed by the mayor, with local artists assisting with the mural using materials purchased in the community, honoring a neighborhood member? Here is one sincerely positive outcome to a global mural movement that grew into something quite positive.
A shout out to curator Iryna Kanishcheva, organizer Patrick Fischer, and Erie Arts & Culture for making this project happen.
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Recent stories with EVOCA1 on BSA: