Street art is a staple of any city’s artistic presence, and new residents can get a feel of Houston by gazing at the various colors the city is composed of. Rated the most diverse city in the U.S. by WalletHub in 2019, the same sentiment extends to the various artists and stylistic choices that create the city’s local art scene. Whether crafted by unknown, independent artists or commissioned by professionals, each art wall in Houston has a story in itself that reflects the citizens’ values and personalities. Show off your new home to your friends on social media by celebrating its vibrancy — the famed mural walls of Houston are not only inherently Instagram-worthy, but also rich in the city’s culture.
By Zoe Judilla
GREETINGS FROM HOUSTON
by Daniel Anguilu
Gelazzi, 3602 White Oak Dr., Houston, TX 77007
Photo by Maria Gallegos
The vibrant salutation sums Space City up nicely. Local artist Daniel Anguilu, whose work is inspired by his travels as well as his Mexican heritage, incorporates Houston’s iconic imagery into a warm and welcoming design. By blending color with creativity, Anguilu makes home an area of animation and endless possibility.
PRESERVONS LA CREATION
by Sebastien “Mr. D” Boileau
2800 San Jacinto Street, Houston, TX 77004
Photo courtesy of The Houston Chronicle
The biggest mural in Houston is an ode to preservation and conservation. Urban real estate developer Adam Brackman enlisted muralist Sebastien Boileau to create a piece of work that emphasizes the importance of transitional neighborhoods. Boileau’s work is inspired by Michelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam,” and its looming nature towers over the constantly-developing city.
SPACE CITY MURAL
by Michael Rodriguez
Winter Street Studios, 2101 Winter St., Houston, TX 77007
Photo by Michael Rodriguez
The distinctive style of local artist Michael Rodriguez can be found anywhere from shopping districts to graffiti parks. Emanating a charming, vintage feel, Rodriguez adds a pop of color to visualize Houston’s undeniably bright and fun demeanor.
CHANGING LANGUAGE, CHANGING WORLDS
By DUAL and 29Letters
The Printing Museum, 1324 W Clay St., Houston, TX 77019
Photo by Maritere Rice for Carrie Colbert
The collaborative piece by pseudonymous artist DUAL and award-winning design studio 29 Letters uses bold and bright lines to symbolize diversity as well as the branching away from normative society. The studio, which specializes in contemporary Arabic and multilingual typography, wanted to create a project that bridges the divide between languages, ethnicities, and nationalities, resulting in something representative of Houston’s own diversity.
BISCUIT PAINT WALL
By Sebastian “Mr. D” Boileau
1435 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77006
Photo courtesy of 365 Houston
The colorful paint wall is a staple to the city’s street art scene. Widely considered one of the most Instagrammed walls in Houston, the dripping rainbow is a sure hit with your friends online to fawn over from afar.
HOUSTON IS INSPIRED
By Gonzo247
313 Travis St., Houston, TX 77002
Photo by Maritere Rice for Carrie Colbert
The famed mural rests at the heart of downtown and was created by Mario Figuera Jr., also known as Gonzo247, one of the unofficial curators of Houston’s street art scene. The colorful wall was made as a result of the Greater Houston Convention and Business Bureau’s “Houston is Inspired” initiative, which emphasizes the city’s thriving culinary and art scene.
FINEAPPLE
By Royal Sumikat
1213 Maury St, Houston, TX 77020
Photo courtesy of 365 Houston
Take your sweetheart to Phillippines-born, Houston-based artist Royal Sumikat’s bold mural as a cheeky gesture. Sumikat’s love of symbolism and high-contrast colors brightens Houston’s streets with endless wit and humor.
THE ABSTRACT HAPPY BEACH WALL
By Zosen and Mina Hamada
800 Chartres Street, Houston, TX 77003
Photo by Maritere Rice for Carrie Colbert
The abstract and bubbly beach wall was made by Barcelona-based husband and wife duo Zosen and Mina Hamada for Houston’s Hue Mural Fest. It goes to show that Houston welcomes a variety of international talents, especially when contributing to the liveliness of the city.
BLACK AND WHITE WALL
By The Secret Group
2101 Polk St. Houston, TX 77003
Photo by Maritere Rice for Carrie Colbert
Lining the outer walls of popular nightclub The Secret Group is a dramatic pattern of black and white that serves as a somewhat optical illusion for those who gaze at it. Let the lines entice you to a weird and wonderful night out and find yourself fully embracing the quirks of Houston.
RAIL TO THE SEA
By Janavi Folmsbee
1502 Sawyer Street, Houston, TX 77007
Photo courtesy of Janavi Folmsbee
Mumbai native Janavi Folmsbee covered a 5000 sq. ft. wall with an abstract design reminiscent of marine characters as a love letter to the vibrant arts community of the First Ward and Sixth Ward, as well as the Washington Avenue Arts District. After developing strong roots in Houston since moving to the city, her work for the See Houston, Love Houston, Be Houston project contributed to their goal of making work that brings diverse dialogues, fosters collaboration, and improves the quality of life for all Houstonians.
TAMING THE BEAST
By Luis Valle
1899 Opelousas St, Houston, TX 77026
Photo courtesy of 365 Houston
Miami-based artist Luis Valle amplifies the narratives of indigenous cultures, spirituality, and shamanism with delicately-painted imagery. With his work featured nationwide, Valle centers on the essence of the soul in every commissioned piece.
I AM LOVE
By Ruben Rojas
548 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008
Photo by Ruben Rojas
Commissioned by YogaWorks as part of Ruban Rojas’ #BeautifyEarth campaign, the colorful wall sends a message of inclusivity and conservation to the citizens of Houston. The artist’s mission to transform intention into action is undeniably present in his various bodies of work scattered throughout the city.
LOVE WALL HOUSTON
By Whaley Fine Art
Photo courtesy of Christobel Travels
Another essential for your inner influencer, the Love Wall sends a message of compassion with its multitude of bold colors. It may be that every heart spray painted on the wall symbolizes one of a Houstonian — in that case, you’re in good hands.
HOUSTON TYPOGRAPHY
By Phoebe Cornog and Roxy Prima of PANDR Design Co.
1301 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010
Photo courtesy of Downtown Houston on Twitter
The six modern murals that line downtown Houston chicly display Texan pride with various Southern sayings. The monochrome coloring paired with the whimsy typography has the power to brighten both the surrounding area and your day.