The Mural Arts project states: "When we create art with each other and for each other, the force of life can triumph." Art can change our mood, our mind and educate us. Enjoy these ten murals from communities around the world.
Created by Eloy Torrez in 1985 Los Angeles, California — Photo courtesy of Andrea Guevara
Los Angeles, California
Art tells a story and can transform our opinion. Created by Eloy Torrez in 1985, Anthony Quinn's outstretched arms represent a gesture to the homeless in the area. There is "beauty stowed away in nooks across Los Angeles," says photographer Andrea Guevara.
Tartu Estonia by Artist: Okeiko & Hypnobooster — Photo courtesy of Kirsty Bennetts
Tartu, Estonia
Street art in the large central plaza of Tartu, Estonia, can make us smile. "This mural depicts the Hindu god Ganesh as a telly tubby and Buddha as an Irish leprechaun," says photographer Kirsty Bennetts.
Mandela Shadow Boxer Mural in Johannesburg, South Africa — Photo courtesy of JD Andrews
Johannesburg, South Africa
The text at the foot of this mural reads, ‘I am because we are,' inspired by ubuntu, the philosophy of humanity that Nelson Mandela (or Madiba) and southern Africans subscribe to. Artist Ricky Lee Gordon created this mural to honor Madiba’s legacy.
Munich: Pedestrian Tunnel Under Prinzregentenstrasse — Photo courtesy of Catherine Sweeney
Munich, Germany
"When walking in cities I’m attracted to street art and the diversity of subjects, styles and techniques. I take pictures and think about who created the art. What was their motivation? What other art have they produced," says photographer Catherine Sweeney.
Portugese Street Art in Lisbon — Photo courtesy of Abbie Synan
Lisbon, Portugal
Artists inspire us to think. Photographer Abbie Synan followed the blue wall around the Lisbon Psychiatric Hospital which wraps a 1km wall covered in urban art pieces. She said, "The 'Faces of the Wall' panels each have interesting stories to tell."
International Art on the island of Djerba, Tunisia — Photo courtesy of Sarah Schmeer
Djerba, Tunisia
Djerbahood is a collection of street art painted by international artists on a variety of surfaces throughout a little town on the island of Djerba, Tunisia. “The art surprises you here. It shines while everything else fades into the background. It makes you realize that beauty can be found in the most unlikely places," said photographer Sarah Schmeer.
Artists collaborate to create murals in Bogota — Photo courtesy of Lisa Ellen Niver
Bogota, Colombia
In Bogota, graffiti or street art is now not prosecuted, but invited. Grants are given for graffiti and districts offer a wall for painting. Bogota is the capital of art in Latin America. Artists collaborate in group projects and are admired. Take a street art tour with Federico Ruiz and be amazed at the quality and quantity of paintings.
Banksy preserved just off Main Street, Park City, Utah — Photo courtesy of Lisa Ellen Niver
Park City, Utah
Banksy is a pseudonymous British graffiti artist, activist and director. His film, Exit at the Gift Shop, aired at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival and two of his pieces are preserved off Main Street in Park City. His art challenges us with its themes, locations and wit.
Quebec City Mural — Photo courtesy of Dr. Jessie Voigts
Quebec City, Canada
“Quebec City was a complete surprise to me. I had no idea it was such a cultural and artistic hub,” said photographer Dr. Jessie Voigts. “Public art is everywhere, detailed murals come to life on four-story walls, doors are brightly colored and even the highway bridge struts showcase beautiful paintings.”
Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia art that incorporates real life objects — Photo courtesy of John Widmer
Penang, Malaysia
Art installments are found all over the historic city of Georgetown and incorporate actual objects like a bicycle or swing set. Many were created by Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic. "Some are tiny hidden works down random alleyways, while others are enormous murals covering the sides of buildings," said photographer John Widmer.
