Muralists

A muralist is an artist who creates large-scale paintings directly on walls, ceilings, or other permanent surfaces. Murals may be indoors or outdoors and are often intended to be durable works that transform a space. They are frequently commissioned by governments, institutions, developers, or communities and can address historical, cultural, social, or commemorative themes.

Historically, muralism has deep roots in ancient and religious fresco traditions. In the 20th century, the Mexican muralism movement—led by artists such as Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros—built public art as a form of social and political expression. In the United States, Works Progress Administration programs in the 1930s funded public murals that broadened access to large-scale art. Today, muralists work in diverse contexts and media, including acrylics, enamels, fresco techniques, mosaics, and mixed media, often collaborating with architects, educators, and community groups.

Practice and impact: Murals are used to beautify spaces, document local history, foster community engagement, and raise awareness about social issues. The process typically involves concept development, site assessment, design and approval, transfer of the image to the wall, surface preparation, painting, protective sealing, and sometimes restoration planning. Preservation challenges include weathering, humidity, pollution, and the need for ongoing maintenance.

Distinctions: The term muralist is sometimes conflated with street artists or graffiti writers. However, muralists generally work on sanctioned, long-term projects on prepared surfaces with attention to composition, narrative, and public reception, whereas much street art tends to be more temporary or illegible.