Mural Storytelling

How Austin Murals record history

By: Amritha Ramkumar

“Creation” by Seymour Fogel was created outside of University Baptist Church. This is considered to be the first mural in Austin. 1950

Courtesy of Amritha Ramkumar 405 W 22nd Street 2300 Guadalupe St.

Courtesy of Flickr

1974

“Austinatious” by Kerry

Awn, Tommy B., and Nick Turner was created to depict life in Austin in the 70’s

Throughout history, artists and creators of all kinds have found a way to record history. Whether it’s through photos, books, drawings, or paintings, we have always had a way to look back on the past through different forms of media. Austin is known for its close-knit arts community, and vibrant street art, so it’s not shocking to find out that many people have recorded artists through murals, throughout many different decades, with the intent that viewers get a look back into time.

The murals below on this timeline do just that, representing different eras and events throughout Austin and American history.

24th and Guadalupe St.

1979

Courtesy of Flickr

“Varsity Theatre Mural” is a 70’s film-inspired mural that was created by Carlos Lowry. This mural is now outside of a Wells Fargo and a Tower Records store.

“Kobe and Gianna Bryant” was a mural created by Laced and Found, Snuk One, and Ricki Loring. This mural honors the NBA player and his daughter after their deaths in early 2020. 2020

Courtesy of Amritha Ramkumar

2912 Guadalupe St.