The international artist Zedz painted for the first time in the United States transforming a commercial property in downtown Erie, PA into an impressive public artwork, adding to the cultural vibrancy that can be found around the city. This project, organized by the Erie Arts & Culture agency is located at 121 W 12th Street and made possible by the Zaphiris Family Limited Partnership, as well as curator Iryna Kanishcheva, who also served as the curator for SatOne‘s mural completed in August at Dobbins Landing.
About the Mural
Blending the Dutch artist’s background in architecture, design and street-art, Zedz was a perfect pick to amend the building’s exterior.
The geometric pattern is not only visually appealing to the structure, it brings depth and a delightful cohesiveness to the windows and doors along the side of the building. In fact, while the artist was working on the mural, the property owners also initiated their renovations, collectively changing its look to become an eye-catching property for the community to enjoy.
Zedz also created a delightful artistic connection between Erie’s downtown and industrial area through a color palette of green and white that is visually refreshing, and fit for the natural environment surrounding the area. Patrick Fisher, of Erie Art & Culture said “[The] Zedz mural is located along West 12th Street between two of the main downtown thoroughfares, Peach St. and Sassafras St. The mural serves as an introduction into downtown as vehicular traffic exits Erie’s industrial corridor. The area around it has sat neglected for quite some time and is slated for redevelopment. The completion of this mural sets the tone for the work that rests ahead – The vacant lot adjacent to the mural had a history of unfavorable behavior, such as illegal drug use. After the completion of the mural, overgrown weeds in the lot were cleared, disheveled vehicles were removed, and new lighting was installed. All of this creates a better sightline of the mural, but these additional investments also help make the surrounding area safer.”
About the Artist
Zedz (b. 1971, the Netherlands) started painting graffiti in the 1980s. He graduated from the Gerrit Rietveld Art Academy in Amsterdam in 1998. He works as an independent artist/designer and has completed mural projects all over the world. This project marks the first time he has painted a mural in the United States of America.
Zedz’s work combines his interests in architecture, design, and street art. Through his work, he examines the ways that public design influences physical experiences. At the completion of this project, Zedz will travel to Bogota, Colombia for an exhibition of his fine art.
Zedz: website | instagram
Iryna Kanishcheva: website | facebook | instagram
%20Got%20A%20Makeover){kind=link}
