Monday Mural: Afrikatown

I love the warm expression on this woman's face.  The mural is found in West Oakland and was conceived and executed by several community groups including the Community Rejuvenation Project, which guides so many mural projects in Oakland.  Afkrikatown is part of a larger mural whose theme is community empowerment and self determination.

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

I'm pleased to report that Sami of https://sami-colourfulworld.blogspot.com has volunteered to take over the hosting of Monday Mural.  The meme will transfer to her website at the beginning of February.  Thank you, Sami.

Monday Mural: Korean hanbok

This graceful image was a delightful surprise.  I happened to be driving down the street and glanced over my shoulder and there it was.  I don't know the reason it is found in this particular spot but did note  it was done by Dave Young Kim and Mansanares.  The Asian Museum currently has a major exhibition of Korean fashion both historical and contemporary.  Not that this mural is associated to the exhibition; it just made me think of it.  If you know the meaning of the loon in Korean iconography, please share.

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

I'm pleased to report that Sami of https://sami-colourfulworld.blogspot.com has volunteered to take over the hosting of Monday Mural.  The meme will transfer to her website at the beginning of February.  Thank you, Sami.

Monday Mural: Aztec echos

Found in East Oakland, I think this mural's abstract quality has roots in Aztec iconography.  I've seen circles and scrolls like these on codex drawings in Mexico.  The chrysanthemums remind me of flowers on the Days of the Dead ofrendas.  Painted by Corazon and Chamuco.  I find the shades of gray with a touch of color very pleasing but it may not be to everyone's taste.

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: the mighty pen

Saw this one while driving down Telegraph Avenue.  It took me the longest time to figure out what was in the hand.  I thought, sword?  gun?  Finally I realized it was a ballpoint pen.  Duh.  The stop sign says "Stop gentrification and speak up."  Gentrification in the Bay Area has driven real estate prices sky high so working stiffs are having real trouble finding housing either to buy or rent. 

Welcome to Monday Mural.  If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.  I'll be gone for a few weeks and won't be able to leave comments on your posts.  The meme will still go up weekly via auto-posting.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: Ghost Ship

In December there was a terrible fire in an Oakland warehouse where 36 people lost their lives.  Near the warehouse site, this mural has gone up to commemorate the fire and honor those who died.  The doves represent the souls lost and all their names are listed at the far right side of the mural.  Painted by Vogue and the TDK crew.

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: Aztec pyramid

Here's another creation from the Community Rejuvenation Project.  They had the difficult task of painting on brick but were undaunted.  This fantasy scene of an Aztec pyramid rising out of the jungle is a cool reminder of the complex history of Mexico and Central America.  This is only part of a busy mural wall, but this detailed panel really caught my eye.  Found on San Pablo Avenue in West Oakland.

Welcome to Monday Mural.  If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

I'll be gone for a few weeks and won't be able to leave comments on your posts.  The meme should go up weekly via auto-posting.  If there is a glitch, I won't be able to fix it from afar.  Begging your indulgence in advance.  Arigato.

American Steel sculpture

While driving through West Oakland I saw this new sculpture in the holding yard for the work of Karen Cusolito.  I'm not sure this is a new direction for her or the work of a fellow artist.  You can see her mammoth sculptures way in the background of this photo.  I had to hold my camera over a fence to get the shot.  Hence the razor wire.  The tonnage of the boulders is mind blowing.

Monday Mural: Warriors mural

A new mural which faces the 880 freeway alludes to the electric performance of Steph Curry and his Warrior teammates.  Fittingly, Illuminaries has painted this one on a wall of an indooor basketball court.  Not surprisingly, Under Armor, a major client in Steph's endorsement empire, helped pay for the mural.  As of this week the Warriors have again won the Western division and the first seed position in the Conference playoffs.  Third year in a row.  Now starts the long march to the championship finals.  All of us in Dub Nation are rooting for the another NBA championship.  Waarrriors!!

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: ready for the sun to shine

With the steady onslaught of rain, this Girl Mobb mural represents our expectation the sun will eventually return.  I love Girl Mobb's comic book style.  This gal looks like someone who would fit in an Archie comic.  Found on the Oakland/Berkeley line.

Welcome to Monday Mural.  If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: floating among the stars

Many murals can be found downtown on parking lot walls.  This one is by Girl Mobb and features it's pink suited...what?  Astronaut?  Lucha libre fighter?  Pink Avenger?  I have no idea who he is, but I've seen him around town.  Here's an earlier post with the Masked One.

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to this week's mural finds.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: Malcolm X

Dragon School creates more than dragon images.  This portrait of Malcolm X is particularly impressive even though constrained by the black and gold this street mural group typically uses.

Welcome to Monday Mural: if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below. You decide what constitutes a mural. Once you start looking, you find them everywhere. Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters. Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week. Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment. Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: show me those pearly whites

I know, too bad about the dumpster, the phone on the wall, and the seeming tagging.  But check out the dynamism of the image.  The dragon is awesome and the beauty in his mouth is unconcerned.  She must have some serious powers.  This is another creation of Dragon School, whose name is what looks like a tag under the carp.  Below left are the artists who contributed to this composition in 2015.

Wait a minute, did I say phone on the wall?  When's the last time you've seen one of those?  I should have taken a photo of it just to document what now seems like a disappearing artifact of contemporary life.  Going the way of VCRs, dial phones, and transistor radios.

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

"Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: owl vs. viper

Who do you think will win this face off?  This multi-artist effort can be found in Chinatown.  I recognize some of the names but don't see Nite Owl on the list.  I've always associated his name to this owl design.  So maybe I've gotten it wrong all these years.  Someone enlighten me, please.

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

"Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: ARF

Meet Andrew, who I ran into while he was working on a new mural in Chinatown.  His initials are ARF, which he thinks may explain his fascination with dog images.  His vivid red dog is being painted with the permission of the restaurant on the other side of the wall.  I found him to be a warm and charming guy and it was fun talking with him as he worked.

Welcome to Monday Mural.  If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  Just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

 “ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: Doty bird

This bird by Doty adorns a corrugated roll-up window at The Layover, a bar/performance space/gallery.  The owner was about to roll up the window, but let me sneak in a shot before he did.  Doty has many styles but his animals are my favorite.  They always look angry and a little dangerous.

Welcome to Monday Mural.  If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.  I'll be gone for a few weeks and won't be able to leave comments on your posts.  The meme will still go up weekly via auto-posting.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: dragons everywhere

On a recent trip through Chinatown, I was startled to see dragon murals everywhere.  They are distinctive due to their predominate colors of gold and black.  All are signed Dragon School or Dragon School 99.  Google tells me this is a local organization dedicated to teaching art to youth and to beautifying the walls of Chinatown.  All murals are painted with permission of the buildings' owners.  They started out with the idea of painting 99 dragons and easily surpassed that goal.  Now they've started to add more colors to their compositions and are planning to take on additional subjects.  Walking the streets felt like falling into a treasure trove.

Welcome to Monday Mural.  If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.  I'll be gone for a few weeks and won't be able to leave comments on your posts.  The meme will still go up weekly via auto-posting.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: cock fight

At first all I saw was a swirl of color.  It took me a while to see the composition of two cocks fighting.  The delicacy of the colors and lines is distinctly different from the surrounding murals.  Omael often works as part of a crew but this small piece is all his own.  Found on the edge of Chinatown.

Welcome to Monday Mural.  If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.  I'll be gone for a few weeks and won't be able to leave comments on your posts.  The meme will still go up weekly via auto-posting.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: what?!

I found this mural on the side of an art gallery on the edge of Chinatown.  I couldn't find a signature, but I'd lay down money that at least the wolf is by Cannon Dill.  The meaning is ambiguous especially with all those extra hands and eyes.  Had to laugh at the cassette tapes on the house.  Of course, one of the tapes is all messed up.  An example of technology that deserved to become obsolete.

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  Just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

 “ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: Panda on the wall

This charming panda, by Crayone, was found on another Chinatown wall.  His website says he's a San Francisco artist, but his phone number is for the East Bay, so maybe he's moved to Oakland.  Either way, his composition is quite striking and puts a smile on your face.

Welcome to Monday Mural.  I apologize for being late in putting up today's meme; I just spaced out. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  Follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

 “ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: Solano Way

Solano Way in East Oakland is chock full of street art, much of it changing over time.  I've previously shown you many compositions here from local artists.  This lovely gal looks like she comes from the cover of a 1950s detective novel.  She is surrounded by several "pieces" or signatures of artists.  The intention is to make them so stylized and ingenious that reading them is a challenge.  Or, in my case, impossible.

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.  We're still trying to figure out why the Linky is not appearing, so please follow the links meme participants leave with their comments.

 “ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson