The Five Top Muralists In The United States

2023’S TOP 5 MURALISTS IN THE UNITED STATES. Murals have been an integral form of artistic expression since craving drawings, dating back to 30,000 BC. Whether poignant, political or playful, murals continue to be a welcome and accessible artistic medium of expression.

While there are thousands (maybe more) of talented muralists in the United States, and art is in the eye of the beholder, we can give you a list of five artists that have graced walls across America with their masterpieces. And don't worry, this list is carefully curated.

Maya Hayuk

Hayuk’s colorful and geometric works have beautified walls in various cities throughout the US. She draws on several cultural traditions, such as Ukrainian egg designs (pysanka) as well Chinese, Tibetan, and Japanese mandalas. In her TedTalk, Hayuk says that painting can be an “...extreme sport, so physically demanding, so psychologically demanding…that risk…that rush.” 

RETNA

RETNA is a muralist that draws on ancient texts, such as Hebrew script and Egyptian hieroglyphics, to develop a constructed script (new writing system) in order to convey messages meant to be decoded by his audience. RETNA blends his striking use of calligraphy, typography, and letterforms with traditional street art. He says of murals, “I want my text to feel universal. I want people from different cultures to all find some similarity in it—whether they can read it or not” (Maddox Gallery, https://maddoxgallery.com). 

Shepard Fairey

Fairey, widely known for his respectful “Hope” poster of Barack Obama, creates bold murals that seek to inspire political change and social justice.  He often uses red, white, and blue as colors in his work. He says, “Creating is about sharing ideas, sharing aesthetics, sharing what you believe with other people.” He also is quoted in The Daily Beast as saying, “Art is not always meant to be decorative or soothing, in fact, it can create uncomfortable conversations and stimulate uncomfortable emotions.”

Kelsey Montague

Known for blurring the lines between street art and fine art, Montague’s prolific body of work often features whimsical, beatific butterfly wings that are meant to be interactive. In her What Lifts You coloring book, she continues this theme of interactive art. In her NPR interview, Montague says of the male-dominated street art genre “There need to be more women. Calling all females: Go For It.” She goes on to say that she wants people to think that her art is for them. She credits much of her success to social media. Commissioned for a piece by Taylor Swift, Montague’s star - or more specifically butterfly - is rising.

Tristan Eaton

Like Montague, Eaton also blurs the line between fine art and street art. His work is inspired by hip-hop and graffiti culture and features bold colors, intricate designs, and text. Some of Eaton’s murals in the United States provide a critique of American society, such as his “Unfair Fun Fair.” In Los Angeles Magazine, Eaton says, “Art can touch a part of people’s soul that is still pure.” 

As time passes, we will continue to see how murals explore the human condition, reflect the times, or celebrate the past. Whether it’s the bold palettes, pop culture references, or the impactful incorporation of text, contemporary fashion designers of streetwear, otherwise known as urban fashion, often draw their ideas from muralists.