Must See Murals: Public Art in Providence

If you’ve ever taken a stroll through the streets of Providence, chances are you have stumbled across a large, bold mural towering over you. Not only do these murals bring life to otherwise not so colorful buildings, behind each one lives an artist with a story to tell. 

Heading down the College Hill towards downtown and across the river stands a piece that seems to add an essential touch to the Providence skyline. This mural, titled “Still Here” was created by the artist Gaia in 2018. The work depicts Lynsea Monatari—a member of the Narragansett tribe—holding a photo of an elder tribal member named Princess Red Wing. The figures are surrounded by beautiful and vibrant elements of nature, each holding significant meaning for the Narragansett and Wampanoag communities. For example, one can find sunflowers which are an important crop for the Narragansett  tribe, strawberries which represent love and friendship, and Red Wing Blackbirds which gave Princess Red Wing her name and represent ancestral history (The Avenue Concept). As a collaboration with the Tomaquag Museum in Providence, this piece is an homage to the indigenous communities who are integral to the fabric of Providence. For more information on this piece check out the interview done by the Brown Daily Herald with Gaia!

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Moving just a little further into downtown Providence, in a parking lot on Washington Street, one can find the mural “She Never Came”. This piece, stretching close to 100 feet, was created by the artist Bezt in 2015. It depicts a man hunched over a table in the midst of tossing a ring. The contrast between the lively patterns of pineapples and watermelons and the heart-breaking message of this piece undoubtedly elicits a mix of emotions. Bezt’s work captures a moment in time and freezes it—allowing viewers to share this emotional experience with the subject. Bezt draws inspiration from photorealistic painter Norman Rockwell in his style of painting and references other street artists such as Basquiat in his work. At night “She Never Came” is lit up, and along with two other murals in the lot they create an open air gallery one cannot miss.  

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Not too far on 118 Orange Street, sits “Misty Blue”. This piece was created by Andrew Hem who was sponsored by the Avenue Concept—a non-profit dedicated to supporting the creation and accessibility of public art. As a Cambodian immigrant, Hem dedicated his mural to the Cambodian population of Providence. He was inspired his mother and her stories from the Cambodian genocide. His piece is beautiful and moving, and its striking colors stand out from the surrounding buildings which frame it perfectly. . 

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These are only three of the countless works of art spread throughout Providence. Each one adds layers of history and stories to the city making it a place surely worth exploring. Gaia, Bezt, and Hen, along with many other artists, have taken it upon themselves to ensure the walls of Providence reflect the culture and people that live within these walls—one that is beautiful, vibrant, and unique. If you are interested in exploring all that public art in providence has to offer, I recommend taking this self-guided walking tour that will take you through 14 incredible stops with over 35 murals to see. Just click this link to start! https://artculturetourism.com/public-art-tour/