Baltimore's Murals- Making Art Where People Saw None

Street art has been a form of self, cultural, and artistic expression. The art itself isn't even always approved formally, which makes it all the more special and even more intimate. It can reflect a community, social issues, a need for change, and also a celebration of the city. 

When I was first deciding to come to Loyola, people would hear 'Baltimore' and it would immediately put a bad taste in their mouth. Which was unfair for many reasons, one being that many of these people had never been to Baltimore and were only following stereotypes. 

But when I got here four years ago, and what I have experienced since, is a city that is constantly trying to improve the community whether it's through initiatives, food pantries, special events, and most importantly, art. And I think it's a city that people get really wrong. I know it in fact. 

I live over on the 'senior side' of campus, and until this year, I had only experienced some of the murals and street art around the city. So to see so many on York Road was really something special. I know that York Road has its own set of stereotypes, and so many people avoid it. But seeing so much art, building after building, is really a sight. I think to many people outside of the city, it would even be surprising. 

I wanted to learn more about these murals, especially the many bird murals that you see on York Road. It is clearly a series. So I did some of my own digging and came up with what the project is really about. 

The project is known as B'More Birds, and it was a collaboration between the Department of Transportation and the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts. The artist who is behind all of these murals is  Iandry Randriamandroso. And the main focus of the project is the relationship between the community and its environment. 

Randriamandroso explained, "In ever-changing urban landscapes, (the birds) represent adaptation, resilience, and the continuation of life. When changes occur in a neighborhood, it changes the dynamic make-up of the population - new inhabitants come; some leave; some stay and adapt with the new changes. Eventually, they represent us and our neighbors.” 

The murals not only bring a fresh pop of color and artistry to the grayer buildings that line the street, but they also stand for so much. Baltimore is so much more than the stereotypes of those outside of the city. It is home to so many diverse individuals. Like the birds, these individuals add their own color and history to the city in their own unique way. 

The birds stand for the intention of communal change. Street art has been one way the city promotes change in the form of expression and art. It's a symbol of how the community is constantly trying to better itself in ways that may seem small, but mean so much. 

Street art has been a way to convey political change, and social commentary, and a way to bring the community closer through creativity. 

When I drive or walk past these murals nearly every day, I don't see why people could have a problem with this city. Of course, every city has its flaws, but honestly, in my four short years of being here, I can feel and see the way communities come together. It truly feels like the community is trying to give back. And the murals are only a visual representation of this drive to do more and to improve. Some are tucked away on the street, and you'd have to be looking to find them. In the true spirit of a sight "off the beaten path", these murals are something to seek out, but also something to make you think. 

I'm really happy I looked into these birds more. It really makes all the difference now when I see them. And honestly, I never would have known their important meaning or backstory.