Perspectives @ I-45 Cullen Underpass

Perspectives is large-scale mural installation for the Cullen Underpass Enhancement to beautify the busy intersection at Cullen Boulevard-I-45 underpass. It was painted in collaboration with students in the senior Graphic Design program at the University of Houston’s School of Art and Houstonian graffiti artist Mario Enrique Figueroa Jr., known as GONZO247. They painted the pillars of the underpass with vibrant oranges, reds, greens and blues brush strokes and icons that symbolize the rich history of Houston’s Third Ward, Eastwood, EaDo and the University of Houston. Students engaged in research and assigned colors and icons to represent each community and to illustrate their unique characteristics. They represented the Third Ward with blue circular shapes, referencing blues music and soul. They chose green rectangles for Eastwood, representing the tight-knit aspect of one of Houston’s first planned subdivisions. EaDo is represented with intersecting orange lines, emphasizing the community’s energy, bike trails and sporting events. And the University of Houston is represented with red hexagonal shapes, showcasing the hive-like network of UH’s diversity and synergy. LED lights were installed to illuminate the underpass for pedestrians walking at nighttime. UH Graphic Design student Annette Wong designed the icons.

Creator: Gonzo247 and UH School of Art

Area: Houston / Third Ward-MacGregor

Collection: Perspectives

Contributor: Hector Garcia

Source: Center for Mexican American Studies

Uploaded by: Hector Garcia

Copyright status: In copyright

Center for Mexican American Studies