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Many people travel to Florida each year, but few probably think about Jacksonville. Not that the Bold City doesn’t deserve the visitors, but people flock to the beaches of the Gulf, the vibrant city of Miami and yearn for the heat of southern Florida. Before I even set foot in the this Northern Florida city I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect – Jacksonville Street Art was no where on my radar.
What is Jacksonville known for? Do they have any sort of city vibe? As someone who craves an eclectic atmosphere when I travel or live in a new city I was hesitant on what Jacksonville would provide for me. I knew the climate was warm, there were beaches and that the city is sprawling due to the fact that it is the largest city in size in the United States.
Craft coffee spots, community driven growing neighborhoods and street art were not exactly my expectations, but that is exactly what met me. Driving down W Forsyth St. I was surprised by every corner that revealed a gorgeous wall mural.
Jacksonville Street Art
The Function of Education
The Function of Education will forever be one of my favorite Jax murals. I eagerly point it out to anyone walking with me like it is the first time I have seen it. The detail and skill to create this piece of art is just outstanding. My jaw dropped to the ground beneath my feet as I stared in awe of this masterpiece!
Untitled by David Petroni
A true vibrant masterpiece painted on the side of a parking garage, this piece is hard to miss when traveling down W Forsyth. Colorful, loud and stunning. The unity of Art Republic and Jacksonville is one that I smile upon and admire every time I am downtown. Spray paint and intellectual artists minds’ have changed downtown, including this one, that sticks out in all the best ways. Parking garages turned into masterpieces? Yes please.
Flora & Fauna
Another large mural that you can even see from the interstate, is Flora & Fauna. Inspired by his stay near the Atlantic Ocean, James Reka painted his largest wall art piece right here in Jax! This breathtakingly huge mural corners Omni and really needs to be viewed in person.
Floating Land
Residing on my favorite street of downtown Jacksonville is Floating Land. I love seeing the city grow and truly believe new businesses will be opening all along this venue soon. After grabbing coffee and purchasing an antique book at Chamblin’s Uptown books, look up to view this painting. Shaun Thurston, the artist, is a Jackonsville native and has other murals in the city including the Jaguar’s lobby, Riverside and museums in Jax.
Untitled by Bik Ismo
I can’t find much information on this mural, but also on W Forsyth Street, I can’t help but be impressed by this mural.
Pixel Pancho has murals all over the world – Hong Kong, New York City, Miami, Italy, Argentina – and Jacksonville is included in his collection. Pancho “creates robotic creatures inspired by different environments: the beach, the forest, the Sci-Fi universe.” Make sure to see where his other murals are around the world – they are stunning!
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Parkland
Chicago-based artist René Romero Schuler states that “In every work I create, I strive to show the imperfection, stress, and underlying beauty of the beings I portray. There are no fine characteristics or clearly defined attributes in these figures. They are “everyone” and “no one”. They are stripped to their most essential elements…their most basic form. The meaning is in the “representation” of the image, not the image itself. Every mark is deliberate.” I am so glad Schuler graced Jacksonville with an Art Republic-sponsored mural. Located near the downtown Library, with a perfect cityscape backdrop, you can view her powerful and spiritual work of art.
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Untitled by Phlegm
Another favorite that never gets old. Across from Hemming Park it is hard to miss this massive black and white painted canvas. A few stories creating one painting, the mural draws you in.
Danger of Extinction Waone Interesni Kazki
A mural to raise awareness for the Right Whale, a species that is threatened, and endangered. Female Whales migrate to North Florida to have their young, making this mural an appropriate location for this masterpiece. When admiring this mural, you can look across the street to view the Jacksonville street art above by Bik Ismo.
Look up, across streets or even by your feet as you walk along the streets of downtown Jax. You never quite know what piece of art is around the corner to brighten and add character to our great downtown.
Ready to explore the Jacksonville street art scene?
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