Often, the fine line between gentrification and true urban renewal comes from a bright can of spray paint.
Such is the case with Miami’s Wynwood Walls, a six-year old art project launched by the late Tony Goldman, who aimed to create a “museum of the streets.”
By soliciting famed artists from all over the world, Wynwood Walls and its related project Wynwood Doors, celebrates both art and optimism, and offers a safe place for contemplation and pride.
Goldman, who described himself as a “long-term investor in the revitalization of historic neighborhoods”, saw the Wynwood neighborhoods’ grim area of windowless warehouses as the perfect canvass for street art.
As we strolled through the busy display Sunday afternoon, we absolutely agreed. I could have spent days wandering through the graphic displays, which featured gifted artists from Brazil, the United States, France, Lithuania, Portugal and more.
As noted on one of the walls, we live in a beautiful world. It’s especially gratifying to see that beauty bloom from unexpected places.
This mural, by Peter Tunney, which I saw behind an iron fence, intrigued me. We do live in a beautiful world.Ernest Zacharevic, of Portugal, designed this amazing mural in 2015. It alone is really worth the trip.I got a big kick out of the many, many people posing in front of the murals to make their own kind of street art. I also liked the image of this woman, reviewing her selfie, in front of a portrait by Vanessa Alice Bensimon (who is one of France’s best street artists). Bensimon is known for her poupes, childlike women that are equally angelic and devilish. Bensimon’s porttraits are always somewhat self-portraits, which is why I enjoyed seeing the women checking out her own selfie in the shadow of this somewhat famous glorified selfie.Well, you knew I had to take a picture of the mermaids. (The Box Office opens Monday for tickets to Appleton North’s spectacular Little Mermaid).I liked the way this selfie taking couple blended into the street scene here.Shepard Fairey designed this extensive piece, which features Burmese opposition politician Aung San Suy Kyi and addresses climate change and war. I didn’t have time to go into this building, but I thought the walking hand art was beautiful (especially against the dark clouds).I asked Molly to stand there to give this piece some scale.Art saved the world. I also love the Ghandi quote, because it isn’t enough to be truthful and gentle, you have to be fearless too.We’re supposed to be miming the portrait, but I started laughing and, well, Molly did did a very nice job.In case you’re wondering, the time is always now. Go get ’em!
So many good ones.
I have a very naive belief that art will save the world. I know it’s naive, but I still believe it.
Honestly, I don’t think it’s naive at all. I think art defines the world, so why can’t it save it? Thanks for stopping by!