Lecture on Public Art: Murals

Introduction

• Focus on murals in public art discussion.
• Guest: Richard McCoy, former museum conservator, currently working in Columbus, Indiana.

Definition of a Mural

• Large painting on a wall or ceiling.
• Can be inside or outside structures.
• Murals designed for public spaces of particular interest.

History of Murals

• Murals have a long history across various civilizations.
• Examples: Mayan murals, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.
• Modern Murals: Early 20th-century shift in North America.

Influence of Chicago World's Fair (1893)

• Introduced new ways for architecture and art in public spaces.
• Public spaces reflected government aspirations.

Government Funded Murals

• Rise of government-funded spaces: post offices, libraries, hospitals.
• 1920s Mexico: Murals depicting Mexican Revolution and governmental aims by Diego Rivera, Jose Orosco, David Siqueiros (Los Grandes).
• Murals as tools for political storytelling and community narratives.

Diego Rivera's Philosophy

• Murals as accessible art for the proletariat.
• Art to advance political agendas.
• Inspired FDR’s New Deal art programs.

Federal Arts Project (1935)

• Part of FDR's New Deal.
• Supported artists, created over 200,000 artworks.
• Murals as government narrative tools.

Shift to Outdoor Murals

• Transition to murals outside buildings.
• Community beautification and activism.

Murals and Graffiti

• Graffiti art often without permission, yet impactful.

Community Activism and Murals

• 1960s-70s shift to community-level storytelling.
• Example: The Great Wall of Los Angeles by Judy Baca.

Architecture as a Platform in the 60s and 70s

• Urban changes led to murals as a tool for downtown revitalization.
• Environmental Graphics: Murals complementing urban architecture.
• Examples: New York City initiatives by City Walls Inc. and Smokehouse Associates.

Expansion of Public Art

• Beyond murals to include sculptures, installations, performances.
• Example: Jessica Stockholder’s Color Jam (2012).

Future of Murals and Technology

• Urban projection mapping and historical reimagination.
• Technology-driven public art projects.

Preservation of Murals

• Importance of city and citizen involvement in mural preservation.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to reflect on local murals and share thoughts.