When setting off on a tour of Chicago’s street art and graffiti collection, going outside of Pilsen is somewhat like leaving the dairy aisle in search of almond milk. Sure, you can find some variation of the stuff in another aisle, perhaps by the tea or nuts, but why make things so difficult? Prolific painters have traveled from all over the world in search of Pilsen’s walls. Let’s just stay here for a while and take it in.
The theme for today is color. We’re featuring three works chocked full of unpredictable shades. Each work is a distinctive, true representation of the artist’s catalog.
Victor Reyes, aka Reyes 78: San Francisco, CA USA
Two years ago, Mexican painter Victor Reyes collaborated with Pawn Works Gallery on their “Art in Public Places” series. The artist left two footprints on Pilsen. Both works are stuffed with more pigment than a boat full of Skittles.
This mural is located along 16th and Morgan Street.
Miguel Aguilar, aka Kane One: Chicago, IL, USA
Aguilar’s story is a lesson in the difference between criminal and frustrated artist. After spending his teenage years painting walls illegally and withstanding a few stints in jail, he is now an instructor at the Art Institute of Chicago and founder of Graffiti Institute, helping to (legally) develop the talent of up and coming creators. This mural was painted by Aguilar and the street art crew DC5, collectively. It blends harmoniously.
This mural is located at 21st and Ashland.
Maser: Dublin, Ireland & Asend: Chicago, IL, USA & Serk: Chicago, IL, USA
Like a living organism, Chicago street art is constantly growing, changing. An arresting piece must be appreciated with unabashed enthusiasm. Pull over to the side of the road, take a photo, and make it your wallpaper. Tomorrow that work may be gone.
In 2013 (yep, last year) Irish street artist Maser collaborated with Chicago poet Malcolm London for a thoughtful mural painted in the alley behind La Baguette Bakery (2109 S. Ashland Ave). It simply read “It’s Never Too Late to Love”. Beautiful.
Last summer, Aguilar’s Graffiti Institute held a contest. The winner was awarded a day to paint with Chicago’s Asend. Serk was the winner. This wall is the offspring of that day. It now reads “It’s Never Too Late Asend “Graffit Institute” Serk”. It’s pretty awesome.
This mural is located in the alley behind La Baguette Bakery (2109 S. Ashland Ave).
For more from our Chicago street art series, click here.