20 Myths and Legends About Wall Murals
"Debunking Common Misconceptions and Celebrating Artistic Heritage"
Wall murals are big paintings or images on walls. They have been around for thousands of years. They were found in old civilizations all over the world.
Today, people still love wall murals for making spaces look better. They use mural art, mural wallpaper, and more. But, many people don’t know the truth about wall murals because of myths.
We will talk about 20 common myths about mural art and wall murals. You’ll learn about permission for painting and what murals should show. We’ll also talk about the history and the modern use of murals.
By the end, you’ll know more about wall murals. You’ll understand their history and how they are used today. You’ll see the beauty and the challenges of mural art.
Key Takeaways
- Wall murals have a rich history dating back thousands of years, with examples found in ancient civilizations around the world.
- Myths and misconceptions about wall murals often hinder their widespread adoption, including the belief that you need permission to paint a mural on your building.
- Wall murals can be used to transform and enhance indoor and outdoor spaces with a variety of best mural painting and best peel and stick wall murals.
- The process of how to paint a mural and how do you paint a mural on a wall can be complex, but there are resources available to guide how to paint a mural on a wall and how do you paint a wall mural.
- Wall murals can serve as historically significant art, reflecting cultural identity and civilizations, and challenging traditional narratives.
What is a Wall Mural?
A wall mural is a big artwork that goes right on a wall. It has a long history, going back thousands of years. These murals show off historical events, religious stories, and cultural traditions.
Today, wall murals are still loved for making indoor and outdoor places look amazing with art.
Definition and Brief History of Wall Murals
Wall murals are big paintings or images that cover a wall. They’ve been around for a long time, starting with cave paintings. Now, they use modern paints or printed sheets.
Wall murals are popular because they’re easy to put up and change. They make rooms look new without costing a lot. They’re also better for the planet than regular wallpaper.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Majority of murals are applied to just one feature wall in a room | – |
| Murals are typically printed on high-quality photo paper for crisp images | – |
| Materials used in constructing murals include photo paper, canvas, and polyester | – |
| Wallpaper materials such as vinyl-coated paper or non-woven materials contrast with mural materials | – |
| Wall murals are customizable, allowing for personal photos to be printed | – |
| Murals are designed to make a statement and provide depth to a room | – |
| Murals offer a more eco-friendly option compared to mass-produced wallpapers | – |
Wall murals are great for making a room unique. They let people show off their style and personality.
Myth: You Need Permission to Paint a Mural on Your Building
You don’t usually need permission to paint a mural on your own building. This is true unless you live in a historic area with strict rules. The U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment protects your right to make public art. Many places encourage murals and other public art to make downtown areas better and bring people together.
The idea that you always need permission to paint a mural on a building is wrong. Some cities even have “Percent for Art” laws. These laws set aside money for public art projects. This makes it easier for building owners to add murals to their buildings.
But, you should think about some things first. Make sure the mural follows local laws and doesn’t pose safety risks. But, in general, the freedom to express yourself through public art is a basic right. Building owners should feel free to use this right without too much trouble.
“Murals can increase social media attention, with some becoming highly shareable and ‘Instagrammable’.”
If you were worried about needing permission to paint a mural on your building, you can relax. In most places, you can just let your creativity flow. You can turn your property into a piece of art that everyone can enjoy.
Fact: Main Street Programs Encourage Public Art on Buildings
Many Main Street programs help bring murals to historic downtown areas. They give grants and support for murals. This makes the area look better and more lively.
Examples of Murals in Main Street Districts
Tupelo, Mississippi, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have lots of murals thanks to Main Street programs. Philadelphia has over 2,500 murals, making it a big art gallery outside. Dallas, Texas, has the “Deep Ellum Walls” project, showing how art can make areas better.
Murals make streets look nice and show off a community’s culture and history. They make people proud, draw visitors, and help people feel they belong. Main Street programs work with artists and groups to make sure the murals fit the area well.
| Location | Mural Program Highlights |
|---|---|
| Mural Arts Philadelphia |
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| ArtWorks (Cincinnati, Ohio) |
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| DMA-events (Tennessee) |
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Main Street programs use public art to make areas better. They create murals that show off what makes a place special.
Myth: Murals Must Depict Historical Scenes
Many think wall murals must show old scenes or events. But that’s not true. Today, mural artists have a lot of freedom. They can create mural themes like realistic historical murals, abstract designs, or even non-historical murals and modern murals.
The idea that murals should only show the past is old. Now, mural artists can tell many kinds of stories. They can share their unique views and stories with the world.
“Murals can be so much more than just historical depictions. They are a powerful medium for artists to share their unique visions and narratives with the world.”
Historical mural themes are still important. But today’s mural artists also tackle modern issues and social topics. They even explore fantasy worlds. This shows how public art is changing and reaching more people.
By breaking the rule that murals must show the past, artists are pushing the limits of this art form. They use murals to share many human stories and views. Wall murals keep getting more creative, offering endless ways to express and change culture.
Wall Murals as Historically Significant Art
Many think murals must focus on history. But, wall murals are truly significant art forms. They reflect a civilization’s culture and values over time. Murals tell stories, share traditions, and capture experiences.
They can show historical events or today’s stories. This makes murals a key way to keep a culture’s heritage alive.
Art as a Reflection of Civilization and Cultural Identity
The Old Masters, famous European artists from the Renaissance to 1800, show the value of murals. Their work is in museums like the Hermitage, Louvre, and Uffizi Gallery. These murals make rooms feel like they’re part of history.
In the 1930s, American muralists were inspired by Mexico’s mural movement. They used art to show who they were and what they valued. Works like Swing Landscape by Stuart Davis and the Williamsburg Housing Project murals highlight murals’ role in sharing culture.
“Murals, in particular, have been used by communities around the world to document their stories, traditions, and experiences.”
Indiana University-Bloomington has important murals. Thomas Hart Benton’s 1933 mural and Stuart Davis’s Swing Landscape are key examples. They show how murals reflect a civilization’s identity and values.
Debunking the “Historic Appropriateness” Myth
Many groups say murals must match the area’s history to be okay. But, this idea is not clear-cut and may not be legal. Art and free speech are protected by the First Amendment. Zoning boards can’t just decide what art is good or not.
Murals let communities tell their stories and show their culture, no matter when. A 1998 survey showed 15% of commissions faced lawsuits over their rules on building art.
What one person likes or doesn’t like art is very personal. The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards help set rules but don’t define what art is. Historic zoning boards are often made of volunteers and may not know how to manage art well.
Just because a building is old doesn’t mean new art can’t be there. A zoning board chair said a mural didn’t fit with the area’s look and history. This shows how personal these decisions can be. We should think again about what’s seen as “historic” in historic districts and mural regulations.
“Murals are a legitimate and valuable way for communities to document their evolving stories and cultures, regardless of the time period they represent.”
- A 1998 survey found 15% of commissions got sued over their art rules.
- Philadelphia has over 2,500 murals, with Mural Arts Philadelphia adding over 4,000 in 35 years.
- The Tennessee Arts Commission gives grants for murals, showing support for public art.
Can You Paint Murals on Brick Buildings?
Preserving Historic Brick Buildings with Paint
Many think painting murals on historic brick buildings harms them. But, it actually helps protect the structure. Brick can get damaged over time by the weather. A mural acts like a shield, keeping the bricks safe.
Most brick walls are over a hundred years old. They have rough surfaces that need special prep. To paint murals on them, use a roller for big areas. This makes sure the mural covers the wall well.
There are over 96 million high-quality images for wall murals. They come in traditional and easy-to-use formats. With a 30-day return policy and free shipping, painting murals on brick buildings is easy and safe. This way, you can protect historic brick with a mural.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Brick walls over 100 years old | Most brick walls |
| Likelihood of dealing with extremely textured brick surfaces | 9.9 out of 10 |
| Recommended roller width for painting on brick | 4 inches or less |
| Enjoyment derived from painting on brick | Half the fun |
| Number of high-quality mural images available | Over 96 million |
| Return policy for wall murals | 30 days |
| Shipping for wall murals | Free |
Mythical Depictions in Wall Murals
Wall murals can be a powerful way to share art and stories. But, some murals have been criticized for cultural stereotypes and a White-centric view. In the past, powerful people have made murals that show minority groups or events in a bad light. This can make stereotypes worse and show White privilege. We need to look at these problematic murals to make public art more inclusive and real.
Cultural Stereotypes and White Privilege in Murals
Murals can change how we see history, culture, and who we are. But, if they’re made with bias, they can spread cultural stereotypes and White privilege. This is clear in murals that make colonial history sound good, praise people with bad pasts, or show only one side of minority groups.
- Murals that show Native American people in old, wrong ways can spread bad ideas.
- Murals that praise Confederate leaders or symbols ignore the bad things about the Confederacy. They push a White-centric view.
- Murals that show minority groups in a simple, wrong way can keep cultural stereotypes alive.
Looking closely at these problematic murals helps us aim for art that includes everyone’s stories and views.
“Mural art has the power to shape our collective understanding of history, culture, and identity. We must be vigilant in ensuring that these depictions are inclusive, accurate, and representative of the diverse experiences and perspectives of all people.”
Wall Murals and Community Perspectives
Wall murals can change and show the communities they are in. Some are made by city officials or building owners. But when the local community helps make them, the art feels more like it belongs to them. This makes people feel proud and connected to the art.
In Philadelphia, there are over 3,500 murals. The community has helped make many of them. For example, a mural in the Aquinas Center area made the area cleaner and safer. Over 160 people helped paint a mural in South Philadelphia together.
Murals also share community perspectives and talk about big issues. In Philadelphia, they cover topics like jail, immigration, and racism. Schools have even let young people share their views on things like family separation.
When people help make murals, they feel closer to the art. This way, murals show the real stories and lives of the communities they are in. By working with locals, cities make sure murals really speak to the people they are for.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Murals in Philadelphia | Over 3,500 |
| Reduction in trash, graffiti, and illegal activity around a mural in the first year | 85% |
| Individuals who participated in a public paint day for a mural in South Philadelphia | Over 160 |
| Neighbors engaged in creating a mural in response to increased community linkages | 65 |
“Murals have been installed in Philadelphia that depict various social concerns such as incarceration, immigration issues, discrimination, racism, religious liberty, pluralism, women’s rights, gambling addiction, and substance abuse.”
Schools are key in letting disenfranchised voices be heard. For example, in South Philadelphia, teens made a mural about their feelings on immigration.
Myths and Legends as Modern Narratives
Wall murals today are moving beyond old myths and legends. Artists now tell new stories and share fresh views. They challenge old ideas of what public art should be.
Photographic Tales and Imaginary Museum Exhibits
The “Myths & Legends Room” mural by Hala Elkoussy is a great example. It mixes photos, drawings, and graphics. It turns an “imaginary museum exhibit” that shows life in Cairo, Egypt.
Elkoussy’s mural blends real and made-up stories. It makes us think differently about modern mural narratives. It shows how photographic murals can be like imaginary museum exhibits.
“Myths and legends have long captured the public’s imagination, but contemporary muralists are using this canvas to tell stories that reflect the lived experiences of their communities,” explains art critic Emily Gonzalez. “These imaginary museum exhibits encourage us to rethink the role of public art and its ability to document and preserve alternative histories.”
These modern mural narratives mix old and new. They grab our attention and make us think. They show how public art can change how we see the world.
Wall Murals
Wall murals are big paintings or images on walls. They show historical events, religious themes, and cultural traditions. Today, mural art is still popular for making indoor and outdoor spaces look great.
Providers like Murals Your Way offer over 10,000 mural painting designs. They also have custom options. You can get murals as small as 24 square feet. They ship fast and you can return them within 60 days if you don’t like them.
- Expansive design collections spanning various rooms, colors, and themes
- Custom wallpaper creation from personal photos
- Quick turnaround with free shipping within the contiguous United States
- Durable, high-quality materials that are easy to maintain
- Transformative impact on interior spaces
Wall murals let you make a bold statement or add elegance to a room. They’re a great way to show off your style. Mural art is loved by people at home and in businesses.
“Wall murals provide an instant impact in interior design, quickly transforming a room with an eye-catching, modern feature wall.”
Archiving Urban Experiences Through Mural Art
Today, mural artists use wall art to save urban stories and share new stories. They mix photos, drawings, and more to make “imaginary museum exhibits”. These murals question old ways of saving history and learning.
Counter-Memory and Alternative Knowledge in Murals
Hala Elkoussy’s “Myths & Legends Room” is a counter-memory. It keeps the stories of overlooked groups alive. It also offers new ways to know things.
Mural Arts Philadelphia is a big outdoor art space. It has been sharing art and ideas for over 40 years. It focuses on art, community, learning, and making things right.
“South Central Dreams” is a mural by Indigenous artists from Oaxaca, Mexico. It’s in South Central Los Angeles. It fights against the usual way we see things and U.S. whiteness in the city.
Social media helps share pictures of these murals. It starts talks about them. This changes how we think about places and race for Indigenous people in Los Angeles.
Murals and social media help communities across borders. They challenge who belongs and is seen in public places. They build unity and understanding between Black and Brown people in the U.S.
“Murals like ‘South Central Dreams’ aim to foster solidarity and mutual recognition between Black and Brown communities in the U.S.”
Murals as Critical Stances Against State Control
Wall murals do more than just make places look nice. They can stand up against state control and the stories the government tells. These murals show different histories and views, not just what the government says. They are a way for artists to resist and call for more community control.
The Mexican Muralist movement started to make people proud and nationalistic after a big change. Artists made big murals to share messages with people who couldn’t read. They talked about socialism, progress, and what was happening back then. This made art for everyone, not just a few.
Today, artists still use murals to fight against state control. Banksy’s street art talks about war, too much buying stuff, and watching people. JR’s “Inside Out” shows portraits of people to tell their stories. Shepard Fairey’s Obey campaign spreads messages about social and political issues all over the world.
The Myths & Legends Room mural shows the real life and power struggles in cities. It’s against the stories the state tells us. It gives a voice to those who are often ignored, asking for more community control.
“Murals can function as forms of artistic resistance and calls for greater community self-determination.”
Murals take back public spaces and tell stories that go against what the government says. They are strong ways for communities to show who they are, fight against being oppressed, and push for change.
Conclusion
Wall murals have a long history and are a rich art form. They are not just for historical scenes or need special permission. Mural art lets artists tell stories and connect with their community.
Today’s muralists use public art to challenge old views and share new stories. They make urban art that changes city spaces. These murals can be found in many places, like schools, businesses, and public areas.
They make a place look alive and tell its story. These murals bring people together and help them feel part of something bigger. They show the creativity and spirit of a community.
Wall murals can do a lot, like inspire and teach people. They are a key way to share stories and experiences in our cities. Mural art keeps growing as a way to show the many sides of our culture.
FAQ
Do you need permission to paint a mural on your own building?
You usually don’t need permission to paint a mural on your own building. This is unless you live in a historic area with strict rules. The First Amendment protects your right to express yourself through art.
Are murals only allowed to depict historical scenes or events?
Murals can show many things, not just history. They can be about the past, present, or even the future. They can be realistic or fantastical. The idea that they must only show history is old and limits creativity.
Can you paint murals on historic brick buildings?
Yes, you can paint murals on brick buildings. It can even help protect the bricks from the weather. Just make sure to use the right paints and methods.
Do wall murals have to be “historically appropriate” in historic districts?
Some think murals must fit the area’s history to be allowed. But this is not true. The First Amendment protects art and speech. Zoning boards can’t decide what art is okay or not.
Do contemporary muralists use wall art to explore modern narratives and perspectives?
Yes, some muralists today focus on modern stories and views. For example, Hala Elkoussy’s mural tells about life in Cairo. It uses photos, illustrations, and graphics to share urban stories.
Can wall murals serve as critical stances against state control and dominant political narratives?
Murals can be more than just decoration. They can stand against government control and main stories. They share different histories and views, promoting community freedom.
Source Links
- “Mural , mural on the wall…”
- Dragons—modern wall murals—Photowall
- What is the difference between a wall mural and wallpaper?
- Wallpaper Vs Wall Mural: Which Is Better?
- What is a Wall Mural? | Limitless Walls – Wall Design Blog
- Finding Your First Mural Wall — Hom Sweet Hom
- Five Myths About Mural Painting that are Killing Your Dreams — Hom Sweet Hom
- If Building Walls Are a Canvas, Can Murals Paint a Profit?
- Why Public Art Is Good for Cities
- Art Talk: How to Start a Mural Program in Your Own Town
- Funding Public Murals: Guide to Sponsorship and Community Support
- Roman Painting | Essay | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
- History painting
- The Painted Murals of San Bartolo
- Old Masters—trendy wall murals—Photowall
- Modern Murals, 1920–1950 | Collections Online
- Fact or Fiction: Debunking Myths About Murals and Public Art
- Muraling Myths – Steve Stockdale
- Tips and Tricks for Painting a Mural on a Brick Wall — Ecker Design Company
- Wall Murals – Mural Wallpaper | Limitless Walls™
- The Fall Of Phaeton
- Mythical Creature Wonderland Wall Mural
- Beautiful Walls: Reclaiming Urban Space through Mural Making
- Perspective Jardin
- Wall Murals of Philadelphia: Windows Into Urban Communities
- Modern Myths | AMNH
- The Evolution of Wall Murals From Ancient Times to Modern Day
- Body, History, Myth
- Wall Murals & Mural Wallpaper – Murals Your Way
- Stunning wall murals to elevate your spaces
- Wall Murals
- Home – Mural Arts Philadelphia
- Archiving Transborder Communities Through Murals and Social Media — Youth Circulations
- Mexican Muralism Movement Overview
- The Battle for the Mural — and the Future of Belarus (Published 2022)
- Art and Activism: 10 Street Artists Using The Power Of Art as a Catalyst For Change
- Wall Murals: The Game Changer in Home Décor
- How Modern Wall Murals Narrate Your Company’s Journey – Image Craft
- The Magic of Wall Mural Painting: Transforming Everyday Spaces
