Creative Expression in Public Space: What we can learn from Street Art in the City of Hamilton

Murals are one of the oldest art forms known to man and can range from what we now know as prehistoric wall paintings to urban street art. The word mural comes from the Latin word “murus”, which translates to “wall”. Murals are most commonly painted on walls, but can be found on ceilings, floors, streets, or more recently - traffic signal cabinets.

People often use the terms street art, murals, and graffiti interchangeably, but there are key differences. Graffiti is unsanctioned and often done as an act of rebellion but considered vandalism by many. Murals, however, are often large art pieces commissioned by property owners or public authorities. “Street art” is where things get a little muddy. Some consider both graffiti and murals to be forms of street art. Others consider street art to be wholly different from murals and more along the lines of Banksy, who uses the built environment in their art pieces.

One thing that all three have in common is their power to transform public space. Many benefits can be attributed to street art such as job creation, tourism generation, and community pride. Street art is also often used as a political tool, leveraging the visibility of public space to spread messages on political issues. We must also recognize that street art can be associated with the process of gentrification, particularly when organizations and governments use it predominately as a tool for beautification and urban revitalization.



Street art in my City, Hamilton, has certainly played a role in all of the above. Take this mural for example at 1 West Avenue South, titled “Raise”. Artists and brothers Lester and Norman Coloma sought to honour the former family-owned furniture manufacturer that once occupied this space. The labourers on the building are lifting a hammer, which the artists explain conveys a message of citizens working together to lift up their city and is a play on Hamilton’s nickname “The Hammer". Raise is meant to symbolize the grit and determination of Hamiltonians and is a great example of how street art can invoke a sense of community pride. It also illustrates both Hamilton’s industrial history and its ambitious future, demonstrating the inherent storytelling power of street art.

As planners we can learn much about the history and people of a place from its street art, helping to better serve the communities in which we work. When you visit Hamilton this September for the OPPI conference, consider taking yourself on a tour of our street art. If you like cycling, check out this Mural Map and pre-made routes by the Everyone Rides Initiative.

Here are a few more of my favourites of the many amazing pieces around Hamilton (captions and photos from Tourism Hamilton):

Harmony by Robyn Lightwalker
233 Queen St S
 
It’s hard to miss this vibrant piece on the corner of Queen Street South and Charlton Avenue, created by local artist Robyn Lightwalker. Bold strokes of pink, purple, and teal draw the eye to the central focus of the mural, a young child joyfully interacting with the natural world around them. Bringing to life the concept that animals, humans, and nature can co-exist within the urban landscape of the city.

Woman with Flowers by Megan Oldhues
24 Hess Street South
 
Part of 2022 Concrete Canvas Festival, this expansive mural is a reminder that beauty can emerge in the most unexpected places. Toronto based artist, Megan Oldhues, use of rich earth tones make the piece feel like it has lived forever among the historic red-brick buildings of Hess Street. As you get closer, you begin to see the detail behind every brushstroke that brings this young woman to life.

Falcon by Scott McDonald
12 York Blvd (York Street Parkade Wall)
 
This massive Peregrine Falcon mural (representing Hamilton's unofficial city bird) is one of the first of its kind. Before he coloured in the bird, artist Scott McDonald, invited passersby to scan a QR code to try their hand at painting their own version. He then projected the best ten and asked the public to vote on their favourite via Instagram. The resulting blue, green and yellow piece was the people's choie!

Collective by Alexander Bacon, Heiro, KWest, & TukeOne
84 James St N
 
You can't miss this stunning piece on the corner of James Street North and Wilson Street. The beauty of this mural changes with every glance, from the sharper edges of the golden baby to the soft pastel colours of the background, and all of the striking characters in between. If you find yourself downtown, this mural is a must-see.

References:
Photos of “Raise” from https://www.lestercoloma.com/public-art
Photos and captions of additional murals from https://tourismhamilton.com/street-art-guide/
Aquilani, Ruth. “What Is the Difference between Street Art, Mural, and Graffiti?” Medium (blog), June 28, 2023. https://medium.com/@ruthaquilani/what-is-the-difference-between-street-art-mural-and-graffiti-1465508f0cc.
Ingram, Anya. “Power and Place, Mural Art in Public Space: A Case Study of Winnipeg’s West End.” University of Winnipeg, 2021.