CELEBRATION OF LIFE THROUGH STREET ART

Celebration of Life: Murals + Street Art

SAVANNAH TOWNSEND, staff writer

One privilege given to the human race is the ability to influence one another. Some may do this by playing music, participating in a sport or writing books. But another way some people may influence others is through the creation of murals and street art. These may just look like a painting of a famous activist or wild colors and shapes, but if you look past their physical appearance, they encourage and celebrate the lives of people all around the world. Some street art is whimsical like “The Highball Artist” by Hadley Breckenridge on the West Atlanta BeltAnother function of murals is to represent their artist. For example, Hadley Breckenridge received her Master’s degree from Georgia State University and enjoys participating in branding and marketing. She has also painted many other forms of street art including the “Enterchange,” also featured on the West Atlanta Beltline. She, like many others, has dedicated her life to the pursuit of joy, while also pursuing a normal life. Similarly, the John Lewis mural on the corner of Auburn Avenue and Jesse Hill Jr. Drive celebrates the long life of John Lewis while also celebrating the lives of the Black community and their involvement in ending segregation. By painting Lewis, the artist celebrates his founding of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and his impact on America through his participation in sit-ins and protests. Not only does the artist celebrate Lewis’ work, but also the passionate lives of the many people who participated in the civil rights movements past and present. From Freedom Rides to sit-ins to those who laid down their own needs to fight for the needs of their country, the John Lewis mural says, “thank you and we appreciate you.” While some may consider these displays of celebration to be a waste of time or even vandalism, I disagree, as these are people who have received permission to beautify our country and bring joy and honor to those who are present now and those who came before them. These paintings display their grateful mind, selfless heart and devotion to their country. Murals allow people to be proud of their heritage and the hardships that brought them to where they are today, giving others the chance to be transported to a world that is full of “happy accidents,” as Bob Ross said. These paintings are truly celebrations of life.