This year’s Artscape festival in Baltimore featured an innovative installation: 32 artists had transformed cement pillars under the Jones Falls Expressway into vibrant murals, creating a striking contrast between urban and natural elements. The theme was open to interpretation, allowing artists to express themselves freely.
The resulting artwork showcases diverse styles, from surrealist to realistic, featuring references to Maryland’s native plants and animals, as well as personal experiences. Artists like Chelsea Henery and Sammi Seezox incorporated the prickly pear cactus into their designs, highlighting the unique biodiversity of the state.
Murals also depicted an urban oasis, with some artists envisioning a serene view from a fire escape or exploring the challenges of city living, such as limited gardening space. The murals create an immersive artistic experience, inviting viewers to explore a “forest” of artwork that breaks the monotony of downtown’s architecture.
Despite the unique setting – painting under a highway with cars rumbling overhead – artists persevered, embracing the challenge of translating two-dimensional art onto a partially visible surface. Interactions between nature and human-made environments are evident throughout the murals, adding color and visual interest to the urban landscape.
Source: https://baltimorebeat.com/photostory-baltimores-artists-bring-an-urban-oasis-to-the-lot-under-the-jfx