Mural - monumental urban art of immense scale

A mural is a type of monumental painting on large buildings and other architectural structures. Murals typically consist of colorful, expressive images painted on the vertical surfaces of residential buildings, commercial properties, or fences. Less frequently, artists work on the interior spaces of large buildings, such as lobbies, halls, or high-rise building atriums.

Mural. Mural Mona Lisa Draws Leonardo da Vinci in São Paulo

Mural art is in high demand in today's urban environments, especially in large cities. Authorities in major metropolises readily provide artists with large vertical surfaces for painting. Beautiful murals stand out against the uniform urban landscape and attract tourists from all corners of the Earth.

Mural. Mural Mona Lisa Draws Leonardo da Vinci in São Paulo

Classification and features of murals

A mural is a unique form of monumental painting that exhibits elements of both traditional frescoes and contemporary street art. Large-scale artworks created by skilled artists can vary in terms of:

• Theme.
• Technique.
• Type of paint.
• Genre.
• Style.

Mural. Mural Mona Lisa Draws Leonardo da Vinci in São Paulo

Among the diverse mural themes popular in most countries worldwide, the following are of the highest interest:

• Social. Addresses contemporary societal issues, evokes empathy in viewers, and encourages them to help the heroes of the artwork.
• Patriotic. Part of official state propaganda, used by authorities to glorify the country and outstanding historical figures.
• Philosophical. Serves as a means for artists to express their individual creative ideas, provoking strong emotions in the audience.
• Aesthetic. Ideal for enhancing the visual appeal of urban spaces, with a neutral emotional tone.
• Religious. Celebrates the greatness of God and encourages reflection on eternal spiritual values.

Mural. An abstract style mural in Toronto

Murals, like regular urban graffiti, are created using several different painting techniques. The main tools for applying images to the wall include:

• Spray paint cans.
• Rollers.
• Brushes.
• Pre-prepared stencils.

Mural. Mural in New York's Brooklyn neighbourhood

Differing from other forms of street art, murals are distinguished not only by their large dimensions but also by three other important features:

• First, the creation of a large-scale work of art requires significant efforts and artistic materials, leading to the need to seek and engage affluent patrons in the project's realization.
• Second, the artist must obtain permission from city authorities and/or the building owner before commencing work. Ignoring this rule can result in unpleasant consequences, including financial fines.
• Third, mural artists often work on commissions from curators or sponsors and receive substantial financial rewards for their work. The initiative to create monumental works of art typically comes from the top down.

Mural. A mural in Rome mocking the age of consumerism

History of Murals

The history of murals as an independent form of monumental art dates back approximately 100 years. Although people have been fascinated with the artistic painting of vertical walls with grand scenes on the themes of hunting and sacrifices since prehistoric times, numerous examples of such creativity have survived to the present day in caves around the world.

Mural. Mural «Lichbavy Svet» in Gomel

The birthplace of the modern mural is rightfully considered to be Mexico. It was in this Latin American country that a new form of monumental art emerged during the revolutionary events of the 1920s. Local artists literally embraced the call of avant-garde artists to step out of the workshop onto the streets, to bring revolutionary art to the masses, and ruthlessly break classical traditions.

Mural. Mural «Lichbavy Svet» in Gomel

One of the first to engage in mural painting was the eminent Mexican painter José Clemente Orozco. In 1923, he created a massive artistic image on the wall of the National Preparatory School in Mexico City.

Mural. Coronavirus-themed mural in Mexico City

The new approach to monumental art was favorably received by the authorities of Mexico. The Minister of Education even commissioned a group of young revolutionary artists to paint a series of murals on public buildings. Many artists who later became widely renowned participated in this task:

• Diego Rivera.
• David Alfaro Siqueiros.
• Rufino Tamayo.
• Miguel Covarrubias.
• Jean Charlot.

Mural. Coronavirus-themed mural in Mexico City

Many of the artists mentioned above were communists by conviction. They brought revolutionary creative ideas to the Soviet Union in the 1930s, where the authorities later extensively used large wall paintings to propagate socialist ideals.

Mural. Mural Conquerors of Sky and Space in St. Petersburg

In Western European countries and the United States, the art of murals began to gain popularity much later, in the mid-1980s. During those times, graffiti was a major issue in large cities. Street artists ruthlessly covered the walls of buildings, fences, and even subway cars with spray paint. Local authorities unsuccessfully battled artistic vandalism for decades.

Mural. Horse Mural in Odessa

One of the solutions to this pressing problem was the promotion of murals, gradually adopted in most major metropolises. Its implementation not only significantly reduced the amount of graffiti but also provided extensive opportunities for young artists to express themselves.

Mural. A mural depicting Frederic Chopin in Warsaw

Today, murals occupy a significant place in global culture. They play an important role in shaping a comfortable urban environment, attract tourists, and serve as an excellent means of self-expression for talented painters.

Mural. A mural depicting Frederic Chopin in Warsaw

On the Very Important Lot portal, every visitor can participate in art auctions and acquire antique masterpieces. Our website also offers an excellent opportunity for anyone to directly purchase paintings from talented contemporary artists from different countries.