HELLO, my Kings & Queens
This past weekend I had the opportunity to hit the streets and document some well-known artworks depicting African-American icons that occupy wall spaces in the Atlanta area. In this post, I will share the pieces that I photographed, the locations (if you're out-of-state, come thru), & the artist.
THE ARTWORK
My first stop was in Atlanta's Little Five Points neighborhood, right behind The Gallery by WISH. In 2019, Atlanta paid tribute to the rap duo "Outkast" with the photorealistic mural. The piece was painted by an artist who goes by JEKS. The painting is a depiction of a portrait taken by photographer Jonathan Mannion, who photographs hip-hop artists.
My second stop was Atlanta's Sweet Auburn district, at the corner of Auburn Ave and Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, where the sixty-five-foot mural depicts the late congressman, John Lewis. When I heard about his passing, I knew I had to go pay my respects to a true 'HERO' who fought for equality in this country & taught us the meaning of "Good Trouble." He will never be forgotten. This piece was designed by Sean Schwab of The Loss Prevention artists collective.
My third stop continued down Auburn Ave (the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood), just a few blocks away from the MLK Center. The two Madam C.J. Walker murals are displayed on the side of the Sweet Auburn Community Museum. I love the way the artist modernizes the late hair care pioneer. He gave her a Bluetooth + a nose ring, which gave the portrait some flava. Speaking of the artist, Fabian Williams, also known as "Occasional Superstar," painted these beauties. Also, there is a makeshift Madam C.J. Walker Museum around the corner on Hilliard St. In fact, the small brick building was the first black-owned radio station--WERD in the United States. Martin Luther King Jr. used the radio station as a means to broadcast his Sunday sermons & later inform the community of civil rights marches. In the 1980s - 90s, the building became one of only two Madam C.J. Walker hair salons remaining in the country. This particular district of Atlanta has so much history + culture that even I didn't know existed.
My fourth & final stop was on Edgewood Ave. On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was senselessly murdered by the hands of former police officer Derek Chauvin. As a result, worldwide protests ensued + public artworks developed around the nation. Artist Dan Cooper spray painted a portrait of the late George Floyd on the side of Joystick Gamebar.
The love and support shown for George Floyd is neverending. Because of his death, we as black people will not stop fighting for equality in this country. Protest will continue, the black lives matter movement will continue, and the fight to "JUST BE BLACK" will continue until those that oppress us understand that we are all one in God's eyes.
My plan is to document more black artworks portrayed in the street. There are so many that I didn't get a chance to photograph, but hopefully, these works will give you some insight into how graffiti artists express themselves. The physical address to each of these pieces will be listed below.
Did you enjoy it? Leave a comment, like, or share and let me know if this was helpful. I would love to hear from you. Be sure to check out my photography website at www.keiamourphotography.com
CATEGORIES:
Art, Street Art
FIND MURALS HERE:
The Gallery by WISH: 453 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Sweet Auburn District: 219 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Sweet Auburn Community Museum: 340 Auburn Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30312
Joystick Gamebar:427 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312