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At the Center of your Being
At the Center of Your Being by Taylor Berman is a mural that explores the themes of interconnectedness and personal growth through symbolic imagery. The focal point of the piece is a large bear, which stands at the center and represents inner strength and self-reflection. The bear’s dark black color, with subtle hints of navy blue, emphasizes its solid, grounded presence. Surrounding the bear are vibrant fish, painted in warm ochre tones of dark brown and terracotta which swirl in fluid motion. These fish represent the external forces like relationships, experiences, and the flow of life that shape and influence one's journey. The movement of the fish follows an invisible path that symbolizing the continuous flow of life and the interconnectedness of everything.
On the left side of the mural, an orb painted in colors like the fish, earthy hues serves as a visual connector between the grounded bear and the swimming fish. The orb helps tie these elements together and creates a sense of unity. On either side of the mural, a large human head frames the scene. Painted in varying shades of blue, the head recedes into the background, suggesting that the mind, while important, takes a backseat to the forces of nature and self-reflection that shape our experiences.
The mural's color palette creates a peaceful and balanced atmosphere. The earthy ochre of the fish contrasts with the deep blacks and navy blues of the bear, creating a harmonious balance between warmth and depth. The shades of blue used for the head and background provide a calm, serene backdrop that allows the bear and fish to stand out. The orb, painted in a similar ochre tone as the fish, contrasts gently with the surrounding elements, creating visual harmony and guiding the viewer's eye across the piece.
The lines in the mural are fluid and dynamic, with bold, sweeping curves that convey a sense of energy and motion, especially around the bear and fish. The finer lines add subtle details, such as shading and texture, providing depth to the piece. The rough texture of the brick wall adds a tactile quality to the mural, creating a contrast between the smooth paint and the physical surface, which helps to integrate the artwork with its environment.
The space within the mural is thoughtfully organized to create depth and movement. The bear, placed in the foreground, serves as the anchor of the composition, while the fish swirl in the middle ground, following the orb’s path. The orb acts as a connector, bringing together the natural and self-reflective elements of the piece. Though the human head is large, it remains in the background, reinforcing the idea that the mind, while important, is secondary to the more primal forces of nature and self-discovery. The arrangement of these elements creates a sense of flow and connection, encouraging the viewer to reflect on the relationships between nature, self, and the forces that shape our lives. -
Sometimes Water Keeps You Grounded
Sydney James's mural, Sometimes Water Keeps You Grounded, masterfully blends realism, abstraction, and playful illustration to create a dynamic and immersive composition. At the heart of the piece is a realistic portrait of a young child, placed prominently on the left side. The child’s detailed face serves as the primary focal point, drawing viewers in with its lifelike qualities. This portrait is balanced by a vibrant, abstract background on the right, featuring stylized, colorful elements that contrast with the realism of the child. This asymmetrical arrangement creates a harmonious composition, with the figure and background engaging in a dynamic visual dialogue. The color palette plays a crucial role in establishing the mural’s mood and tone. The warm tones of the child's red shirt contrasts with the cooler blues, purples, and greens in the background. This combination of warm and cool colors evokes a sense of vitality and calmness, suggesting themes of grounding and fluidity. The playful, cartoonish design on the shirt, with its bold blues and pinks, adds an element of whimsy that further enriches the narrative and visual interest. James uses a variety of lines to add depth and movement to the mural. Curved, organic lines dominate the child's face, creating a natural, lifelike quality, while thicker, straight lines appear throughout the composition to establish structure and flow. The illustration on the shirt features bold, smooth lines typical of cartoons, providing a playful contrast to the realism of the portrait. This interplay between soft, flowing lines and sharper, defined edges adds complexity and keeps the composition dynamic. The murals texture enhances its visual impact with the soft shading of the child's face contrasting against the flatter graphic design of the shirt and the shimmering, almost glass-like background. The thoughtful use of space further contributes to the mural's depth, with the child in the foreground and the background elements receding, creating a layered immersive experience. Overall, the mural is a vibrant exploration of identity, imagination, and expression.