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What is it? -

By definition, murals are permanent images that are applied to walls, ceilings, or large surfaces. There are various main types (like frescoes, marouflages, mosaics, and graffiti), with each defined by distinctive techniques that significantly shape their artistic value and cultural meaning.

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Origins in ancient caves -

Ancient murals originated approximately 40,000 years ago, primarily as cave paintings. These early artworks, made from natural pigments and clay, depicted animals and humans, and they preserve historical stories, beliefs, and traditions across generations.

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Techniques -

Ancient artists innovatively used stenciling, notably in Argentina, where pigments were blown through tubes over the artists’ hands. This method left lasting silhouettes on cave walls, and provides visual insights into prehistoric artistic practices.

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Ancient Egyptian symbolism -

In Egypt, murals served religious and societal functions. Paintings in tombs guided souls through the afterlife, while others depicted rituals, gods, and daily life, all of which symbolically united spiritual beliefs with everyday existence.

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Greek and Roman mural art -

Murals and mosaics were integral in ancient Greece and Rome as well, and were used in decorating homes, public spaces, and shrines. Their artworks visually conveyed symbolism as a way of enriching architectural spaces and reflecting social life, as well as cultural or religious themes.

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Christian education -

Over time, Christianity employed religious murals extensively, primarily to educate those who were illiterate. Church frescoes depicted biblical narratives, morality, and saints, and encouraged spiritual understanding and devotion among early Christians.

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Medieval dominance -

During the Middle Ages, fresco painting became dominant in mural art. Artists painted rapidly onto wet plaster, which allowed colors to permanently bond with surfaces. This ensured that the artwork would be durable and retain longevity for centuries.

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Art becomes exclusive -

Modern art shifted towards private collectors and institutions, and it placed emphasis on the creation of portable paintings and sculptures. This change restricted public access to art, which limited its reach and availability for wider audiences. Art essentially became an elitist industry.

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A return to public spaces -

The 20th century saw murals reemerge due to urban growth and political movements. Artists reclaimed public spaces, creating murals to address social change, cultural pride, and political commentary.

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Mexican Muralism's rise -

After Mexico’s revolution in 1920, the government commissioned murals to unify and educate the nation. Rich with indigenous symbolism and folk art, murals expressed national identity and communicated effectively to an illiterate population.

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Prominent Mexican muralists -

The wave of Mexican muralism was led by prominent artists like Diego Rivera, José Orozco, and David Siqueiros. Their politically charged artworks depicted historical struggles and indigenous culture, and significantly influenced (and inspired) international mural practices.

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Murals as propaganda -

Murals have also historically functioned as powerful tools for propaganda. Not only are they publicly visible and visually impactful, murals effectively convey political messages in the hopes of unifying communities and promoting specific ideological narratives through artistic storytelling.

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The Soviets -

Soviet murals celebrated national pride, space exploration, and labor. Government-funded murals ultimately became integral to urban planning. They reinforced communist ideals and served as prominent tools of propaganda throughout the territories of the USSR.

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Preservation vs. erasure -

After the fall of the USSR in 1991, former Soviet states like Kazakhstan and Moldova actively preserved Soviet-era murals for cultural heritage purposes. In contrast, Ukraine has actively erased these artworks, viewing them as remnants of unwanted political influence and oppression.

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Northern Ireland’s political murals -

Since the 1970s, Northern Ireland's murals have visually captured the region’s political tensions. These artworks rather vividly reflect differing allegiances in various communities, by commemorating independence struggles or expressing loyalty to Britain.

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Ideological barriers -

Political murals can often serve as historical records while simultaneously marking the ideological boundaries that exist between opposing groups. They visually symbolize the divisions between communities and persistently reflect ongoing tensions within complex sociopolitical landscapes worldwide.

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Graffiti -

To this day, graffiti remains controversial and is often perceived either as vandalism or valid artistic expression. While criticized as destructive, graffiti’s raw and spontaneous nature does challenge the norms that have been established, and they use public spaces as venues for creative rebellion.

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Historical insights -

Interestingly, graffiti isn't purely modern; the ruins in Pompeii display ancient Roman graffiti, capturing personal complaints, societal attitudes, and even daily mundane experiences.

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Mainstream art -

Artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring transitioned graffiti into mainstream art circles. Their creative achievements validated graffiti as a significant form of artistic expression, and the definition of 'fine art’ was openly challenged.

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Berlin Wall’s artistic legacy -

The Berlin Wall featured murals as powerful symbols of political expression. Its murals became iconic historical markers that captured powerful sentiments about freedom, division, and hope. These artistic pieces have endured long after the wall itself fell.

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Provocative works -

In the early 1990s, the artist Banksy revolutionized contemporary murals through politically provocative artworks. To this day, his murals criticize capitalism, war, and the hypocrisy that exists in society, utilizing public spaces effectively to provoke critical thinking around the world.

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Activism -

One particularly noteworthy modern muralist is Shepard Fairey, who combines street art with activism. He famously designed Barack Obama’s iconic 'Hope' campaign poster. His artworks continue addressing social justice issues and advocate for political awareness and social change.

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Educational power -

Educational murals have the opportunity to visually communicate critical information about history, science, or culture. Public spaces utilize mural art effectively as visual teaching tools and expand education outside traditional institutions like schools and museums.

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Democratizing art -

Murals democratize art by providing accessible cultural and political narratives outside traditional institutions. Murals can be made anywhere and at any time, and so they become publicly available and openly accessible beyond the confines of expensive museums and galleries.

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Economic value -

Murals also significantly benefit local economies through increased tourism. Cities that are renowned for murals (like Valparaíso in Chile) often become cultural destinations, attracting visitors and enhancing local economic growth through art.

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Legal challenges -

Many muralists navigate legal challenges and often have to balance public appreciation with accusations of property defacement. Artists often operate in gray areas, negotiating artistic freedom and legal constraints within complex regulatory frameworks.

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Preservation issues -

Mural preservation poses significant challenges, particularly regarding aging and environmental degradation. Preserving murals demands careful balance between effectively conserving cultural heritage and managing evolving political contexts.

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Future trends -

The future of mural art appears promising, as cities increasingly embrace murals for cultural enrichment and beautification. Governments, organizations, and communities increasingly recognize the historical impact that murals have, as well as their artistic and social significance.

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Enduring legacy -

The art of muralism has endured for tens of thousands of years not only because of the controversy it sometimes generates, but also due to it impressive ability to tell stories and connect communities. It is no small thing to say that this art form will continue influencing the world for a long time to come.

Sources: (TheCollector) (Britannica)

See also: Influential art movements of the 20th century

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