“Ever seen an alligator on its back?” That’s ROA’s Untitled Alligator Mural. This monumental piece of street art is in downtown Atlanta. It is not just any mural. It’s a statement.
The Untitled Alligator Mural appeared in 2011. The Living Walls Conference brought the anonymous Belgian artist ROA to Atlanta. ROA transformed a blank wall into something unforgettable.
ROA usually paints animals in black and white. Rodents and birds are common subjects. This alligator is no exception. The artist keeps his identity secret. He avoids social media. The Art Archive on Instagram has dedicated an account to his art.
The Untitled Alligator Mural is located at 209 Mitchell St SW. It sits at the corner of Mitchell and Forsyth streets. Look closely. The alligator’s tail curls up. It skirts the old signage. It even climbs the fire escape.
Notice the room rates above the alligator. They advertise 50-75 cents for the Star Hotel. This is a relic from the building’s past. It was once part of Hotel Row. Many hotels accommodated travelers in the early 1900s. They arrived at the Terminal train station nearby.
The Untitled Alligator Mural uses the building’s features. The tail follows the fire escape. The mural integrates with its surroundings. It makes the building part of the art.
Atlanta embraces street art. Bridge underpasses and building sides become open canvases. Organizations like Living Walls and Elevate Atlanta bring artists to decorate the city. You can find street art throughout Atlanta.
The Atlanta Street Art Map shows about 100 works downtown. The nature of street art is fluid. Murals can disappear quickly. The Untitled Alligator Mural has been here a while. The peeling paint shows its age.
ROA’s work often features animals. They are usually in black and white. He is known for painting rodents and birds. The Untitled Alligator Mural stands out. It is an alligator on its back.
The Untitled Alligator Mural interacts with the building. The tail climbs the fire escape. The mural includes the old hotel rates. This shows Atlanta’s history.
The surrounding area is also interesting. Broad Street has other murals. “Love and Protection” shows two kids hugging. Tilt’s American flag is made of names. Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya’s “Together, We” promotes connections between art and science.
Like the businesses in Atlanta, street art can be temporary. Atlanta is always reinventing itself. The Untitled Alligator Mural is a reminder of the city’s artistic spirit.
So, take a moment to appreciate this unique artwork. The Untitled Alligator Mural blends art with architecture. It offers a glimpse into Atlanta’s past and present.