An 11 minute drive or 2.3 mile walk from CVHS, a grid of one way streets covers downtown Houston. Old and new buildings line the sides of the roads. While driving through downtown and looking out of the window, you might not notice the murals littering the sides of buildings at first glance, but if you look closely enough, splashes of color and unique styles of painting make these murals worth the short drive through downtown.
In 2013, artist Mario Figueroa Jr. was commissioned by the city of Houston to paint the “Houston is Inspired” mural, with the intention to highlight Houston’s culinary and cultural diversity. Since then, as a part of the “Big Art. Bigger Change” movement, Houston has commissioned over 50 new murals in downtown. The art movement began in 2022 and featured murals curated by Street Art for Mankind. Each mural was inspired by one of the 17 United Nations sustainable development goals. The 17 goals include no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, Innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible production and consumption, climate action, life below water, life on land, peace, justice, and strong institutions and partnership for the goals.
In February, four new murals were unveiled in downtown and added to Houston’s map of murals.
Located at 1111 Main St. Garage and Dallas St., “When Tomorrow Comes” by Etam Cru aka BEZT represents the goal of clean air. The mural depicts a young girl using her scarf as a face covering to protect her lungs from the polluted air. The pollution is represented by the light grey clouds surrounding her, demonstrating how she is “surrounded” by factories and burning fossil fuels. Painted in different shades of grey the girl’s scarf is covered in flowers that are native to Houston, representing the beauty and freedom of nature when the air is clean.
Down the street at 1070 Dallas St. “60%” by artist Onur, depicts a woman with flowing blonde hair wading in the water. A series of blues and greens decorate the side of this building, with visible brushstrokes wrapping around the woman’s lower half. This mosaic style adds to the dynamic of the piece as it makes the woman in the portrait seem as if she is flowing. “60%” is intended to portray the sustainable development goals of gender equality and clean water sanitation. The title “60%” is a reference to the fact 60% of the human body is made of water, serving as a reminder that water is an essential resource for life.
At 426 Austin St., you can find “Inexorable” by Nomad Clan, a street artist duo. This piece is on the side of an old brick wall it illustrates two hands fist bumping, with tattoos of gender equality and LGBTQ+ awareness symbols. “Inexorable” is meant to demonstrate the sustainable development goal of reducing inequalities. The mural is meant to show support for members of the LGBTQ+ community as well as racial equality for routinely marginalized groups.
The last new mural added to downtown can be found on 901 Commerce St., “Messenger of Peace” by Baeu.graff. Inspired by the United Nations goals 16 and 10 to spread love, peace and inclusivity, this mural features Mahatma Gandhi as its center piece. With vivid yellows and a dove to represent peace, this mural communicates Gandhi’s message that nonviolence and societal change are goals we should all strive for to maintain or bring peace.
The murals scattered throughout downtown Houston represent more than just colorful art, they serve as a visual reminder of our goals for the future and what how accomplish them. Through the work of international and local artists the “Big Art. Bigger Change” movement has tackled a number of these goals including, gender equality, clean air, clean water and peace. The cities choice to commission these murals not only adds a vibrant pop to Houston but also offers a chance for education.
