Atlanta got a new paint job last month. Or, to be accurate, seventeen of them. If you’re tuned into the art scene here, you already know all about the OuterSpace Project. It’s easily one of the coolest annual projects in Atlanta, and this was the first year I immersed myself in all it had to offer.
The OuterSpace Project is a public outdoor mural expo that just held it’s third year, each being more successful than the last. Over the course of a week, Greg Mike’s ABV Gallery selects both locally favored and world-renowned artists to create massive new works around the city. Since street art is my very favorite thing about Atlanta, I was overly stoked to watch the murals go up and feed off the creative buzz going on throughout the art community all week. Below are a few of my favorite murals from this year’s OSP artists.
OUIZI
I’d move to the beltline just so I could see this mural every day. Created by Ouizi, the only female OSP muralist (and my new fan girl obsession), this piece is nothing short of strikingly beautiful to see in person. I urge you to pop down to Paris on Ponce and see it first chance you get!
GREG MIKE
I’ve been following Greg’s work for a year or two now, and this is the most vibrant piece I’ve seen yet. It’s also in a prime location, adding a much needed pop of color to thousands of work commutes. Definitely keep an eye out for it next time you drive on the connector!
AARON KAI
Maybe I just have a color fetish, but this piece spoke to me immediately. The smooth shapes and bright hues are Aaron Kai’s signature style, and it definitely stole my heart. You should head to Decatur and scope it out yourself - prepare to be captivated.
BIG TEEFF
Big Teeff’s mural definitely wins the ‘most clever’ superlative. I love pieces with depth, and this solution adds so much to a business that has a 9 foot fence covering most of it’s back wall. Don’t ask what I climbed to get high enough to snap a photo of the full wall, just enjoy the fact that I did it for you so that you won’t lose sleep over wondering what’s behind the fence (photo in bottom gallery).
BIG BANG BLOCK PARTY
To top it off, at the end of the week there was a huge block party thrown at Terminal West featuring Emancipator. OSP is known for merging public art with live music, and ties in the action sports community by partnering with Zumiez and including a half-pipe at the celebration (shoutout Zumiez for hooking me up with a sick screen print!). Shots by Carl aka my mega talented friend Carlie captured some great photos from the show, check em out!
Oh, and did I mention there’s even more art at the block party? You can watch 10+ wall-sized canvases come alive as artists live paint (and simultaneously dance) throughout the night. I especially love this because watching the skill, the eye, and pure talent that goes into each stroke or spray is how you really build a deep appreciation for it all. See gallery below :)
I have to tip my snapback to ya, Greg Mike. This vision of yours is truly spectacular and I have much gratitude for the work you and your dedicated team did to bring so many creative minds together. Art is the ultimate gift, and the world needs more events that create perpetual inspiration like this. Check out the rest of my photos below, and go to OuterSpace Project’s website for the map of how to find each of them in person. It makes for the perfect Atlanta adventure, get out and explore!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wondering what’s next? Here’s a list of upcoming can't-miss Atlanta events you'll find me at:
July 27: Animal Ace EP Release Showcase [Aisle 5]
July 29: Lights Out ATL: Tsurda X Proko [Aisle 5]
July 31: Beer & Comedy Night [SweetWater Brewery]
August 8-11: 808 Fest 2017 [Aisle 5, The Music Room, Speakeasy, Basement EAV]
August 19: A-Town Music Fest with Big Boi + Goodie Mob [Wolf Creek Amphitheater]
Until then, keep creating my friends. Much love!
July 27: Animal Ace EP Release Showcase [Aisle 5]
July 29: Lights Out ATL: Tsurda X Proko [Aisle 5]
July 31: Beer & Comedy Night [SweetWater Brewery]
August 8-11: 808 Fest 2017 [Aisle 5, The Music Room, Speakeasy, Basement EAV]
August 19: A-Town Music Fest with Big Boi + Goodie Mob [Wolf Creek Amphitheater]
Until then, keep creating my friends. Much love!