Wow. Look at this incredible mural. It’s a vibrant 12-foot portrait of Divine. The legendary drag queen. She’s right there beside Bettie Page. Another iconic figure. This is the Divine Mural in Seattle.
This wasn’t always here. In 2016 vandals attacked the existing Bettie Page mural. They splashed gray paint all over it. They left a message too. “Stop exploiting women’s bodies” they wrote. Signing it “some feminists”.
The couple who owned the house were upset. They loved the Bettie Page mural. It had been a Seattle landmark since 2005. They commissioned artist Matthew Brennan IV to restore it. But they wanted to add something more.
They decided on Divine. A powerful statement about femininity. About embracing all forms of self-expression. There is no wrong way to be feminine they said. No wrong way to be a woman.
Brennan IV faced challenges. The ground was uneven. Blackberry bushes grew underneath. He worked high on a ladder. It was a technically demanding project. He had to make sure both portraits blended seamlessly.
But he did it. And the result is stunning. Motorists honk their horns in approval. People stop to admire the artwork. To share their appreciation for this bold piece of art.
The Divine Mural is more than just a painting. It’s a conversation starter. It’s a celebration of pop culture icons. It represents a powerful message of self-love and artistic expression. A message resonating with people across the city. And that’s why the Divine Mural in Seattle is such a unique landmark. A testament to resilience and creativity. A beautiful example of how art can mend wounds and create community.