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The Rise of Indoor Murals in a Post-Pandemic World


The development of The Parakeet and the Mermaid on the walls of Matisse’s studio at the Hôtel Régina, Nice, 1952.
The development of The Parakeet and the Mermaid on the walls of Matisse’s studio at the Hôtel Régina, Nice, 1952.

The pre-pandemic world was a whirlwind of efficiency. Sterile office spaces, muted apartment walls, and public buildings designed for function over form. Confined to these environments, we rarely paused to consider their impact on our well-being. Then, the pandemic forced a dramatic shift. Confined to our interiors, we began to see them with a newfound critical eye. The once-acceptable backdrop of bland walls transformed into a yearning for visual stimulation and a desire for connection. This is where murals, in all their vibrant glory, stepped in to reclaim these indoor spaces.


Murals, far from a recent invention, have graced walls for millennia. From the evocative cave paintings to the powerful political messages adorning ancient structures, these large-scale artworks have held a powerful place in human expression. However, the recent surge in murals transcends mere aesthetics.  It's a story of reclaiming the spaces we inhabit, transforming them from mere shells into canvases for connection and well-being.



ainted ceiling by artist Claire Tabouret in her own 1920s home in Los Feliz, CA. The design is inspired by Pamela Colman Smith’s tarot deck illustrations from the early 20th century.
Painted ceiling by artist Claire Tabouret in her own 1920s home in Los Feliz, CA. The design is inspired by Pamela Colman Smith’s tarot deck illustrations from the early 20th century.


During lockdowns, the yearning for beauty and a sense of community intensified. Murals became a powerful tool to breathe life into these neglected indoor spaces. Public buildings, once defined by sterile hallways, were adorned with uplifting imagery. Offices that had fostered a sense of isolation saw their walls transformed into collaborative canvases, sparking creativity and fostering connection amongst employees. Even private residences witnessed a surge in mural installations. Homeowners sought to personalize their sanctuaries, creating vibrant backdrops for virtual meetings and a sense of escape from the monotony of confinement.



The magnificent Cafe Medi NYC at Hotel on Rivington with a tile wall by Art Antic L' Alcora
The magnificent Cafe Medi NYC at Hotel on Rivington with a tile wall by Art Antic L' Alcora


The impact extends far beyond aesthetics. Murals in public spaces can foster a sense of pride and belonging within communities. In corporate settings, they can enhance brand identity, cultivate a more positive work environment, and encourage collaboration. Within private residences, murals can create a sense of calm, inspire creativity, and personalize living spaces.


In a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions, murals offer a tangible connection to art, a reminder of the power of human creativity to transform physical spaces. The pandemic may have been the catalyst, but the mural movement seems poised for longevity. It's about reclaiming our indoor environments, not just as functional spaces, but as canvases for fostering a sense of well-being, community, and a renewed appreciation for the spaces we call home.



Jean Cocteau with his mosaic at Villa Santo Sospir, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, 1952.
Jean Cocteau with his mosaic at Villa Santo Sospir, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, 1952.

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