You never know who might turn up on the walls of Freeman Alley, and the latest familiar face I spotted there belongs to none other than Dolly Parton. This colorful, impressionistic portrait by street artist IMKMAN00 gives the beloved country music singer and philanthropist a decidedly street-art makeover.
With her signature cascade of blonde hair, hoop earring, and bright blue top, Dolly is instantly recognizable. The artist has set her portrait against a vivid pink background covered in polka dots, while replacing her facial features with a simple but powerful message: “Love Is All You Need.” It’s a playful artistic twist that puts the emphasis on the sentiment rather than the celebrity. Continue reading Dolly Parton Gets the Freeman Alley Street Art Treatment→
Covering the western-facing side of City-As-School in Manhattan’s West Village, Eduardo Kobra’s enormous Ellis mural is a riot of color, featuring five giant faces surrounded by the Brazilian artist’s signature geometric patterns in pink, purple, blue, yellow and green.
Created in 2018, the mural is Kobra’s tribute to the immigrant experience in New York and the millions of people who left their homelands in search of a new life. The five faces represent people of different ethnic backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of those who have made New York their home. Kobra says the work was inspired by New York’s long history as a destination for immigrants. Continue reading NYC Street Art: Eduardo Kobra’s Ellis Mural→
Tucked just inside the ever-changing outdoor gallery of Freeman Alley, I couldn’t miss this delightfully odd and wonderfully Pink Octopus by street artist IMKMAN00 — and it immediately earned a spot as this week’s Pink Thing of the Day.
Painted in bubblegum pink with playful polka dots, the wide-eyed octopus stretches its tentacles across a glowing gradient of neon green and electric blue. A few tentacles curl upward while others sprawl dramatically across the path, making the mural feel like it’s escaping the wall and creeping into the real world. The slightly surprised expression adds personality. Continue reading Pink Thing of The Day: Octopus Mural in Freeman Alley→
On the Houston Street-facing wall of the First Street Green Art Park, street artist T0newash has created a striking mural paying tribute to Kids, Larry Clark’s raw 1995 coming-of-age film. The piece recreates the movie’s original poster, featuring Rosario Dawson, Leo Fitzpatrick , Justin Pierce, and Chloë Sevigny in their breakout roles. Continue reading Street Art Tribute to the Movie Kids→
When I was in San Diego on vacation this past summer, my friend and I would often pass this stunning mural that adorns the front of an apartment building in her neighborhood. After doing a bit of research, I discovered that the piece is by street artist Skye Walker, whose work I’ve seen previously while vacationing in Moab, Utah. This guy gets around. Continue reading Colorful Mountain Lion Mural on Apartment Building, San Diego→
