Viral Telegraph Mural Unveiled
Artist Alyssa Liu's new mural at Telegraph and 43rd went viral with massive traction — 2,505 likes, 184 reposts, and over 90k views as 'the finished product.' In New Brighton, artist Snik unveiled a community tribute mural at Victoria Quarter, celebrated as the 'heartbeat of the space.'
The mural of Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu at Telegraph and 43rd was created by local graffiti artist group, The Illuminaries. The piece celebrates the Richmond-born, Oakland-raised athlete who became the first American woman to win a gold medal in figure skating since 2002. The artwork's centerpiece is a now-iconic image of Liu making the "thizz face"—an expression popularized by Bay Area rap legend Mac Dre—while holding her gold medal. The mural incorporates green and gold accents, an homage to the departed Oakland A's, and the phrase “Shout out Oakland” next to her image. This isn't the first time The Illuminaries have depicted a Bay Area sports figure in this style; over a decade ago, they created a well-known mural of Stephen Curry doing a thizz face. The group's co-founder, Steve Ha, said of the Liu mural, "She reps the Bay," and that it was only right to "show love to her through our art." In New Brighton, the tribute mural by internationally-acclaimed art duo Snik is titled "Entwined." The piece is described as a "quiet nod" to the volunteers of New Brighton in Bloom, an award-winning community group that maintains over 100 planters and flower arrangements throughout the town. Commissioned by New Brighton Creative Futures CIC, "Entwined" is the second mural by Snik in the area and adds to the Victoria Quarter's growing "open-air street gallery." This public art initiative is part of New Brighton's ambitious bid to become the Town of Culture in 2028. The New Brighton street art program is part of a wider regeneration project that began in earnest in 2018. Many of the murals, including a tribute to a 40-year veteran of the New Brighton Lifeboat station, are located within a short walk of each other in the Victoria Quarter. Public art projects like these often aim to foster a sense of civic pride and ownership among community members. Studies show that such installations can increase positive feelings toward a location and make public spaces more engaging, which in turn can stimulate local economies by attracting residents and tourists.
