42 MURALS is a project run by the real estate company 42 VENTURES and curated by Lesli Marshall.  Artists from anywhere were asked to submit proposals for the historic neighborhood of Deep Ellum that has ties to blues, jazz and is a platform for emerging artists of all genres.  Ultimately 42 were selected.  

 

Sarah Reyes on her Think Ellum Mural

 

"This is an interactive map located at Main and Malcolm X.  The city grid of Deep Ellum is painted on the left with the red "+" marking the spot where the mural is in context with the map. The buildings were selected to be part of the mural because I have always had a fascination with Deep Ellum as it contains dallas' largest collection of early 20th century storefronts.  The Union Banker's building (originally the Knights of Pythias) was built by Texas' first black architect - a truly incredible accomplishment for that time period that showcases the progressive and diverse nature of Deep Ellum.  The mural is painted on a main street that receives a bit of pedestrian activity.  The scale of the mural is such that anyone walking by becomes a part of the mural whether they are aware of it or not." ​

 

Daniel Driensky on his mural of famed Robert Johnson 'The Devil And Robert Johnson'

 

"My mural recalls the classic tale of blues musician Robert Johnson, who according to legend sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads to achieve success. Though he had little commercial success or public recognition during his lifetime, he is now known as a forefather/master of the Mississippi Delta Blues style, and is credited as a major influence to many rock and blues musicians today. His connection to Dallas is that he recorded almost half of the 29 songs that make up his entire discography right here in Dallas, on the other side of downtown. He is also a member of The 27 Club, a group of popular musicians who all died at the age of 27."

 

PUBLISHED: DALLAS OBSERVER, Dallas Innovates, Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate Review, Local Hub Bicycle Club