Glancing up, we find the Brijean Mural. Murals tell stories and San Francisco has many. The Brijean Mural is no exception. Let’s explore its creation and significance.
San Francisco’s mural history stretches back to the 18th century. The Mission Dolores mural was first. Ohlone artists painted it in 1791. It remained hidden behind the church altar for over 200 years. Murals became entrenched in San Francisco’s culture.
The 1930s saw twenty-five artists painting twenty-seven murals. They adorned Coit Tower during the Great Depression. These murals reflected the era. They depicted laborers and transportation. Mexican artist Diego Rivera painted his first U.S. murals here. All three remain in San Francisco.
Mural production took a break. It resumed in the 1970s. A new style overtook artistic expressions. The muralists of the 1970s used art for social change. They also used it for celebration. Las Mujeres Muralistas were at the forefront. They formed in the Mission District.
The Mission has over 500 murals. It holds nearly half the city’s murals. Balmy Alley features Las Mujeres Muralistas’ first mural. Present-day murals also live here. The art lines the alley. It covers walls and garage doors.
Community-based murals are important. Precita Eyes Muralists Association helps. Founded in 1977, it creates and restores murals. It also celebrates them.
Brijean is a musical project. Brijean Murphy is the percussionist. She plays for bands like Mitski and Toro y Moi. Doug Stuart is a multi-instrumentalist and producer. Together, they create psych-pop. Their music fuses abstraction with dancefloor beats.
Brijean engages different sides of themselves. Their music explores the paradox of being alive. Murphy is an accomplished DJ. She is also a live player in Oakland’s music scene. She’s an in-demand percussionist. In 2018, she began recording with Stuart.
Stuart shares a jazz and pop background. They dubbed their project Brijean. Their first effort was Walkie Talkie. Murphy took the mic for the first time. She delivered dreamy dance tracks. Her layered percussion and vocals stand out. Stuart’s production evokes disco and house.
Murphy’s musical talents run in the family. Her father taught her percussion. He gave her Vince Charles’ congas. Charles was a steel drum legend. Stuart studied under jazz royalty. He became intrigued by J Dilla and Moodymann. He explored jazz, house, and hip-hop connections.
Brijean also creates visual art. They designed the “Beauty’s Bagel” mural in 2023. They have designed logos and interior art. Roses’ Taproom features their signage and murals.
San Francisco’s murals enhance urban spaces. They inspire communities. The Brijean Mural adds to this tradition. It shows the duo’s artistic talent. It enriches the city’s vibrant street art scene. So, remember Brijean’s diverse talents. Their art transcends music. It includes captivating murals.