Brightening public spaces with culture - The new mural on Russ St
Categories SOMA Community Public Art SOMA Pilipinas
Story and Photos by Max Guerrera
The new mural of a carabao on Russ St. honors the historical and cultural roots of the Filipino community in the neighborhood, and adds charm to a wall once scattered with graffiti.
According to one of the muralists Franceska Gamez, “the carabao is such a common animal in the Philippines that represents hard work and dedication, but also bayanihan, which is a sense of community coming together.”
The mural is a collaboration by Gamez and Cece Carpio, both artists from Trust Your Struggle Collective; a group of artists dedicated to social justice, environmental sustainability, and community organizing through the medium of public art and activism. “We're here in spite of gentrification and everything that's happening; creating, and representing our culture.” Said Carpio.
Gamez hopes the mural serves as a way to make residents feel seen and celebrated. “Public art is a constant conversation with the environment that you're painting in and the community.”
The mural can be found on Russ and Folsom St.
