It's officially spring, and the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project is in bloom, adding two new murals and a whole lot of color and life to an already vibrant collection of building facades commissioned by the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency.
This Saturday, coinciding with Downtown Hollywood's Third Saturday ArtWalk, the mural by Evoca1 will be finalized while 2alas initiates the first phases of their "Mona Lisa."
At 2020 Hollywood Boulevard, Evoca1 will complete his "Posers and Dream Crushers" mural, in progress since March. Both artist and humanitarian, Evoca1 uses his artistic ability to raise funds and awareness for issues that embattle society as a whole.
"Whenever I paint, I tend to use past experiences or an emotional struggle faced by someone I've come in contact with, but this piece is actually more of a way to vent my frustration with the way we behave with each other," says Evoca1. "This mural portrays the struggles faced when people or things pose as friendly to get close enough to be detrimental."
The Downtown Hollywood Mural Project is centralized in the Live Music District, running along Hollywood Boulevard and Harrison Street between 21st Avenue and Young Circle. Since launching in August 2012, thoughtfully-curated murals have been commissioned by the CRA from prominent contemporary and street artists, including David "Lebo" Le Batard, Ruben Ubiera, Jessy Nite, Luis Pinto, Eddie Mendieta, and most recently, Evoca1 and 2alas.
"I'm honored to be part of this mural project with the quality of artist involved in it," says Mendieta, whose "Over Look" mural takes up the outer walls of the 2014 Gallery Building on Harrison Street. "I know Evoca1 and was there last month when he started his wall. I'm familiar with 2alas' work around Wynwood... They are both talented artist and great additions to the project."
For Mendieta, street art is about more than simply beautifying a rundown area in a city; it's the art of the people. "Everyone should have chance to see art in their everyday life, not just the few times they are able to visit museums and galleries," he says. "I would like to see the whole downtown area covered in art. Also, to see more cities willing to start their own mural projects."
The events taking place this Saturday, in conjunction with the ArtWalk, will include an open-to-the-public outdoor drum circle in front of 2001 Hollywood Boulevard (west of SunTrust). On-site at the drum circle, artist Daniel Pontet will be painting with his feet through "Reactionary Impulse Art" -- literally reacting to what he hears and feels.
Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk takes place on the third Saturday of every month from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
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