Artist Marka27, who lives in Cambridge, will create a mural in Union Square. — Photo courtesy of Marka27

By Shira Laucharoen

Colorful murals created by internationally acclaimed artists will deck the outer walls of storefronts in East Somerville and Union Square. Through a mini festival produced by the Somerville Arts Council, three artists, Evaristo Angurria, David Zayas, and Victor “Marka27” Quinonez, will paint the murals from August 21 to 31.

The idea for the project came out of a request by Mayor Curtatone in 2017, calling for more public artwork. Special events manager for the Somerville Arts Council Nina Eichner said that Curtatone had been supportive of the Council’s festivals but was interested in having more physical public art that would be “less ephemeral.” The city put out a call and selected both local and international artists who would be able to highlight their own cultural heritages and reflect the diversity of Somerville and its residents.

“We were very impressed by their work. They all have a large amount of international experience and each have a unique style and vision,” said Eichner. “They use their cultural backgrounds and upbringings as inspiration for their work. They have themes and ideas that they often work with, and you can see threads throughout their work that link them. But they’re always different and were chosen because they fit Somerville best.”

David Zayas, an artist from Puerto Rican, will create contemporary street art in East Somerville. ~ Photo courtesy of David Zayas

While the final designs of the murals will be left as a surprise, to be revealed after completion, the three artists all use the “street art” style, employing a mix of spray paint and exterior wall paint. Angurria, originally from the Dominican Republic, is known for his portraits of women wearing hair curlers. Zayas, hailing from Puerto Rico, typically portrays children, women, and animals. Marka27, who lives in Cambridge, develops work influenced by Mexican folklore and hip-hop culture, playing with the ideas of race, culture, and design. The new murals will be featured on the outsides of the Taco Loco, Ola Café, and Urban Axes buildings.

“We were finding walls that were the right size and shape in neighborhoods where the art would be visible, in main squares or thoroughfares of the city,” said Eichner. “We are hoping to continue to do murals so more people can see them and generate more discussion and conversation.”

On August 26, the artists will participate in a meet and greet at the Somerville Media Center, followed by a celebration with music and food by the Union Square mural. On August 30, there will be a parade, led by local Brazilian band and activist group Grooversity, and a chance to see the two East Somerville murals.

Artist Evaristo Angurria, from the Dominican Republic, will paint a public mural in East Somerville, working from August 21-31. — Photo courtesey of Angurria