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Art doesn’t just hold up a mirror to society, though it often reflects the culture. Art can make change and support movements too. It gets people talking. It raises awareness. And on the commercial side, public art can reinterpret brand messages in a way that is unique, authentic and impactful for the communities where the message lives.
After working with amazingly talented Black artists over the past few years, I’ve seen their vision and skills come to life all around the country. Here are some of the visionary Black muralists who are meeting the moment by reinterpreting brand messaging in a way that positively engages people and makes sense for the surrounding community.
George F. Baker III
SafeAuto wanted to sponsor artwork in the Atlanta area to give back to the community. George F. Baker III, a local artist, identified the perfect place for the mural at Adair Park II, near where he previously lived. Area residents watched George create a mural that celebrates the community’s vibrancy, diversity and beauty during a live painting event that featured free food, drinks and live music for community members. George’s positive energy and infectious personality made it a great success, adding more color to a park that he has now coined the “Jewel of Atlanta.”
CUJO
Joe Nelson, also known as CUJO, is from Chicago’s South Side and focuses on empowering Black and brown creators. My company, Muros, worked with CUJO and three other local artists to activate murals in Chicago for the brand relaunch of the Chicago Fire FC (football club). CUJO describes his mural for the project as “very South Side, very street” with “a lot of energy.” It celebrates his love for the city by incorporating Chicago colors and brings art and uplift to an area that celebrates new public art additions.
Max Sansing
Another Chicago native from the South Side, Max Sansing is an incredibly gifted artist who has worked on projects across the country and around the world. Max worked with Muros on a mural project for the Chicago Fire FC’s “Stand for Chicago” initiative, painting a stunning mural in the South Loop area that combines realism with abstraction to express his love for the city in a truly unique way. He has said he hopes kids who see his art will be inspired to create artwork of their own because art is integral to life.
Reggie LeFlore
When the Minnesota Timberwolves were looking for a way to create buzz around their City Edition Jersey launch with art in 2021, a local Minneapolis muralist known for his portraiture skills was the obvious partner: Reggie LeFlore. A huge basketball fan, Reggie had collaborated with the Timberwolves in the past. He quickly identified the perfect spot for the mural and created excitement around the upcoming jersey reveal, painting a black and white mural with a blank jersey to build intrigue and then bringing the new jersey to life with full color on the reveal date.
Ijania Cortez
Detroit-born Ijania Cortez is known for her portraits of Black inner-city residents and her inspired use of color. This made Ijania the ideal fit for the Milestone Initiative, a collaboration between Ally and DC Comics that revives an earlier project to create a universe of Black superheroes. Ijania created a mural centered on the character Static, painting the superhero in a power pose on the side of a business in Detroit’s Sherwood Forest area across from a popular restaurant. Ijania’s unique interpretation beautifies the neighborhood and celebrates Black heroism in the most impactful way.
Abel Jackson
After leaving a career in the corporate world behind to follow his passion for art full time, Abel Jackson became known for his stunning portraiture pieces. A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Abel sees art as a venue for celebrating Blackness and a way to inspire and empower others. His mural for the Milestone Initiative depicts Black superhero Static with a retro background inspired by the classic TV show. It’s located on a wall next to a Charlotte firehouse, and Abel truly enjoyed having the opportunity to paint a mural of a Black hero next to where real-life heroes work every day.
These inspiring Black muralists consistently express their love for the Black community — it’s a common theme across all of the projects. The artists mentioned here lent their unique perspectives, conveying a brand message in a commercial project that intentionally lifts up and celebrates Black culture.
Their celebration of Blackness is part of a larger movement and these incredibly talented individuals are paving the way through projects and art festivals across America. Projects like the Black Love Mural Festival in Denver and the BLKOUT Walls Mural Festival in Detroit are showcasing Black creators like Sydney G. James and Thomas Evans, aka Detour, while beautifying neighborhoods with public art. Check them out on a wall near you.
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Mateo Conner is the VP and Co-Founder at Muros, an art activation agency specializing in out-of-home advertising and street art.
