From political messages, to paying homage to the past, to showcasing strong women, to just being beautiful, the murals that have been popping up around Charlotte have made a statement.
Artists such as Nick Napoletano, Nico Amortegui, Rosalia Torres-Weiner, Matt Hooker and Matt Moore have spent years transforming bare walls into colorful masterpieces. Rich blues, purple hues, life-like faces and intricate designs can be found on outside walls in bustling areas like NoDa, or can be found inside of businesses like the Dilworth location of Inizio Pizza Napoletana.
Here’s a rundown of some of our favorite murals around the Queen City.
Inizio Pizza Napoletana
Matt Hooker has created a piece in honor of Pulcinella, a character that originated in commedia dell’arte around the 17th century in southern Italy. The dog in the painting is in honor of Hooker’s dog, Mr. Beef.
Salud NoDa/Salud Cerveceria
Nico Amortegui turned the walls, inside and outside, of Salud and Salud Cerveceria in NoDa into a work of art. Walk around and inside of the building to see all of Amortegui’s pieces.
Friendship Trays Charlotte
Rosalia Torres-Weiner created a mural called “Mother Nature” on the wall outside of Friendship Trays, a nonprofit meal-delivery service, in South End. The mural represents the women who comprise the staff at the nonprofit.
Solstice Tavern
Nick Napoletano created a vibrant mural on the North Davidson Street facing side of Solstice Tavern. With tones of blue and purple, the once bare wall has been transformed into a work of art.
Making a Statement in Plaza Midwood
Hooker, Napoletano, and artist Matt Moore created this statement piece in Plaza Midwood featuring the late Brandy Alexander, one of North Carolina’s most celebrated drag queens. The mural is a response to HB2 and the details, including former Governor Pat McCrory’s face in her earrings, are both humorous and thought provoking… as protest art should be.
Can’t get enough of Charlotte’s murals? Neither can we. Here are other murals from around the Queen City that our friends at Yay for Murals in Charlotte, NC have compiled. Check out their Facebook page at the link for updates and new murals.
