They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder and a picture is a worth a thousand words. Nowhere does this ring truer than the murals in Houston, Texas. Home to some of the most talented Latinxs artists doing their thing and showcasing some amazing displays of artwork. These murals are some of the best backdrops to take that selfie as you sit back and take in all the beauty and significance of the artist’s work. Each mural below stands out for its meaning to the community, its artistic beauty, and for being a reflection of its city.
Muertos Mural-Angel Quesada (aka ARTKUNGFU)
Located in the historic East End district of Houston is a mural with a purpose. The artist, Angel Quesada, who goes by ARTKUNGFU was commissioned by Morales Funeral Home to create a piece that signifies a fight against gentrification. A mural that depicts those that came before as the neighborhood is vastly changing with new businesses and homes. An impactful mural that serves as a reminder of the original barrio as others have begun embracing a rebranding of the community.
111. N. Enis St. Houston, TX.
Frida Kahlo Mural-Alex Roman Jr (aka DonkeeBoy)
To celebrate what would have been Frida Kahlo’s 110th birthday last year, the talented muralist that goes by DonkeeBoy painted the Mexican artist as Wonder Woman on a larger than life mural in Houston’s East End. His mother Sylvia Roman, who is an artist as well, instilled a love for Frida to her son. You can’t help but strike a pose as the mural is a symbol of the strength, courage, and overcomer that Frida is the epitome of.
300 N. York St. Houston, TX
Rebirth of our Nationality Mural-Mario Enrique Figueroa, Jr. (aka GONZO247)
A longstanding staple of the community, this impressive mural was once touted as the largest in the city, and originally painted by Leo Tanguma in 1973. Urban artist, Mario Enrique Figueroa, Jr. who goes by GONZO247 restored this masterpiece to its original glory under the direction of Tanguma. Having deteriorated over the years, it was important to the neighborhood to restore this meaningful mural as it highlights the history of the Mexican people through not only its colorful images but its powerful message, “To become aware of our history is to become aware of our singularity.”
5900 Canal Street, Houston, TX.
Houston is Inspired Mural- Mario Enrique Figueroa, Jr. (aka GONZO247)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEhduWNlsVB/
Another popular, and colorful mural by GONZO247 is a Houston Icon for its messages of inspiration as it sits as a centerpiece to Market Square Park in Houston’s historic downtown district. A vivid, and impactful mural showcasing a city marked with diversity, and blossoming into its own as “inspired,” “hip,” “tasty,” “funky” and “savvy.” Originally created as part of a “Houston is Inspired” campaign.
907 Preston St Houston, TX 77002
Mexican-American History & Culture in 20th Century Houston- Jesse Sifuentes and Laura Lopez Cano
This mural is so hot it hasn’t even been unveiled yet! On this day I came across the talented artist Laura Lopez Cano and her sons Louis and Jacob Cano working tirelessly to create this beautiful and symbolic mural showcasing “the places, personalities, concepts, and events that shaped the Mexican-American community and laid the foundation for the multicultural city,” shared The Heritage Society. Lopez and Jesse Sifuentes, both highly esteemed artists, have been commissioned by The Heritage Society to work on the mural that is scheduled to be unveiled later this summer. Set in Connally Plaza at Sam Houston Park in the heart of downtown Houston, TX.
Para Mi Gente Mural- Ignacio E. Sanchez (aka Nacho)
This bold and colorful mural is a proud symbol adorning a historic Heights neighborhood in Houston. Created by the Mexican Artist Ignacio E. Sanchez who goes by “Nacho.” Soaring across the walls of this community it stands as a symbol dedicated to “The Working Class,” shares the artist or as the title states “Para Mi Gente!”
Yale & 13th St. Houston, TX 77008
Florals on Red and Pink mural-Josue Ramirez
This fun and colorful mural created by artist, Josue Ramirez, is a standout piece along the corridors of a downtown Houston Street aligned with other interesting murals to snap a selfie with. The flowers just pop out creating visions of summertime fun in the sun as you stroll along.
2112 Leeland St, Houston, TX 77003
Spring Scene Mural-Michael Rodriguez
A poignant and whimsical cartoon-like mural inspiring thoughts of springtime in the air with its bold images, and larger than life characters painted across a Washington Arts District wall in Houston. Created by designer and artist Michael Rodriguez, this mural is a definite selfie must with those beautiful and dramatic scenes as your backdrop.
2207 Winter St. Houston, TX 77007
Purple Purse Mural- Ana Marietta
A mural with a purpose, and a hidden message. As part of Allstate Foundation’s, Purple Purse project, this mural created by artist Ana Marietta is nestled in a quaint Heights neighborhood in Houston. The mural is part of a six-city mission with various female street artists creating murals each with a hidden message to highlight the “invisible issue of financial abuse.” For this mural, visitors are encouraged to snap a picture and share on Instagram using the “Moon” filter to reveal its message. In the process, you are not only taking a selfie with a beautiful backdrop but helping give victims a #SafeWayOut.
331 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008
Yo Creo Mural- Real3 for the HUE Mural Festival
Yo creo que este mural es magnífico! Created by the artist Real3 for an annual Houston Urban Experience (HUE) Mural Festival at Talento Bilingue de Houston. A stand out piece you can’t miss traveling down the street that captures the essence of its historic East End neighborhood to believe anything is possible.
