July marks the completion of the second iteration of the Underground Mural Project at Ink Block in Boston’s South End. The event was curated by Street Theory, an entity powered by Boston-based development firm National Development. A recap issued by the organization calls Ink Block “Boston’s only outdoor street art gallery.”
The project’s website explains that “Underground at Ink Block is the successful transformation of an 8-acre underpass located between Boston’s South End and South Boston neighborhoods into an active urban park, cultural attraction and parking amenity.”
The project benefits its surrounding neighborhood by providing “landscaped pedestrian boardwalks and bicycle paths along the Fort Point Channel” that “create new connections between communities previously separated by highway infrastructure.” Additionally, “visitors enjoy amenities such as world-class street art, a dog park, curated retail, fitness, food and beverage experiences as well as a bike storage facility, 24-hour security, 175 commercial parking spots & more
Ink Block opened “after five years of planning, permitting, design, construction and leasing led by MassDOT in cooperation with the community, City of Boston, Boston Planning & Development Agency and the Federal Highway Administration.” National Development acquired the project through a public bid process that selected them to enter into a long-term lease as operators of the park. They state that “this new park adds to the transformation of this area” and “has revitalized the New York Streets section of the South End.”
This summer’s event follows the park’s inaugural installation of nine murals in 2017 with the creation of eight additional murals. Its culmination “[brings] together local, national, and international artists,” in order to create “one of the largest installations of public street art and infrastructure engagement in New England.”
A recap of the event issued by its organizers proudly states “this year’s UMP was a resounding success, attracting some of the biggest names in street art to paint in Boston, resulting in some incredible street art.” It received coverage from Boston Magazine, Boston.com, Dig Boston and NECN/NBC10 Boston for its new murals from Boston locals GoFive, Matthew Zaremba, Siliva Lopez Chavez, Dana Woulfe and out-of-towners Indie184, Greg LaMarche and Muro.
The recap notes that Boston residents unfamiliar with the park’s offerings “may have already seen Marka27’s ‘Cranes in the Sky’ while driving along I-93 heading into Boston, but that’s just a sampling of what lies underneath at the Underground.”
Victory ‘Marka27’ Quinonez’s “Cranes in the Sky” adorns a piece of highway infrastructure with “an Afro-futuristic woman’s face and cranes flying overhead.” The release states that “the mural is inspired by the Solange song of the same name and is meant to inspire creativity. I was trying to inspire creativity and and use that energy to defeat self doubt.” With its energetic teal and bright pink hues, the mural uplifts viewers, instilling the effervescence required to float through one’s day.
Boston-based artist Genaro ‘GoFive’ Ortego contributed “Sacred Journey” which he states “is the story of an elder, blessing womankind.” The elder sits sagely, depicted with striking black and white shadow work amongst a geometric background of red and yellow. The artist’s statement continues to explain, “throughout life, and beyond death, women are sacred. They are our protectors, teachers, and carriers of tradition. They give life to our children, and the children are our future. Here’s to keeping tradition alive for our future. Bless and protect our women and children on their sacred journey.”
Greg LaMarche of New York completed “Choices” a mural whose title “speaks to the seemingly infinite amount of choices we now have in the 21st century. Anything is possible if you can think it up. But it also refers to the choices one juggles with in the day to day and how one simple choice can have a huge impact on someone’s life.” Situated on the columns supporting a highway, the mural features the word “choices” layered over and over itself, resulting in a frenetic collage that embodies a state of freneticism.
Matthew Zaremba, another Boston local, painted “For Giving For Getting” which he states “is a play on the phrase ‘forgive and forget.’” The mural is completed in a clean, sweet style that shows two hands transferring a heart, set against a starry sky. The simple, yet beautiful mural is “meant as a statement about human connection and that love, specifically, is a two-way street… not something to be taken for granted, or abused, or neglected, or spoken but not actually shown.”
Boston-based Dana Woulfe’s work ”The Upside Down” makes use of the unique surface where the artist painted it by “creating an energy and environment to itself.” Situated on the side of a highway, “The Upside Down” is an intergalactic delight of blue and purple space clouds. Woulfe explains, “the title comes from the feeling that the mural gives off, which to me was a very 80s kinda sci-fi/horror vibe (i.e. Stranger Things) and the fact that I spent half the time painting upside down.”
Silvia Lopez Chavez of Boston painted “Up and Under” a work where the “concrete structures, overlapping lines above and patterns within the structure served as inspiration,” The work juxtaposes the concrete, industrial atmosphere of the environment with “paintings of bougainvillea flowers which are delicate and are also string with very sharp thorns,” resulting in “a sacred urban jungle with art deco twist.” The artist says, “I wanted the space to feel welcoming and inviting for everyone who uses the space.”
Matthew Zaremba summarized his thoughts on the festival, stating, “I think Boston has made some good strides in supporting and showcasing street art of different varieties. Street Theory for example has created some great opportunities for both local and international artists to exhibit their work to the public and I’m excited to contribute to this project. I’d like to see the city develop more resources and opportunities especially for aspiring artists. We need more legal walls, and open workshops for the youth, to nurture the next generation of creators.”
Visitors can enjoy these fabulous new sights at their leisure, or while attending one of the numerous events that the public space hosts, such as yoga and cycling sessions, or the Boston Donut Fest. Overall, this collection of street art culminates in the gorgeous new amenity that is Ink Block and exemplifies National Development’s mission “to create outstanding development projects,” as explained by their website. Innovative projects like this are why they’ve been “twice recognized by NAIOP Massachusetts as the region’s outstanding development firm.” With Ink Block, they demonstrate their understanding the importance of “a hands-on approach to working with communities and neighbors.” This collaborative effort benefits artists, residents, and visitors alike.
For more information please visit Underground at Ink Block and Street Theory.
