South Street Murals
We’ve worked with a variety of artists to bring colorful murals to South Street. Below are our most recent mural projects on South Street.
Adam Crawford
509 S 5th Street, Philadelphia PA
Philly-based artist Adam Crawford painted this vibrant and playful mural on 5th street in between Gaskill and Lombard in the summer of 2021.
“Adam Crawford’s paintings are visual punches. Their vivid, striking colors and bold shapes will grab hold of your attention, demanding that you spend time in the playful, vibrant compositions that he creates. Whether painting in his studio or out in the streets, Crawford creates complex and dynamic work that somehow always forms a perfect and satisfying balance. The artist attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and is currently based in Philadelphia, where you can find many of his eye-catching murals. If you’re not in Philly, you can also find his paintings in public spaces around Chicago.”
-Christina Nafziger, Create Magazine
My Dog Sighs
441 South Street, Philadelphia PA
My Dog Sighs (MDS) is often inspired by the cities he visits and uses music to express the creative energy he vibes from its residents. Layers of teal, brown and gold paint partially cover My Dog’s lyrical tribute to the city. Stone spent the better part of a day free handing the sentimental words of Neil Young’s ‘Philadelphia’ onto the wall, integrating it into the background of his mural.
“Sometimes I think that I know
What love's all about
And when I see the light
I know I'll be all right.
I've got my friends in the world,
I had my friends
When we were boys and girls
And the secrets came unfurled.
City of brotherly love
Place I call home
Don't turn your back on me
I don't want to be alone
Love lasts forever.
Someone is talking to me,
Calling my name
Tell me I'm not to blame
I won't be ashamed of love.
Philadelphia,
City of brotherly love.
Brotherly love.”
– Neil Young
The eyes hold dear an image of Paul and Robert Perry, owner of South Streets’ haven Tattooed Mom.
“On my first visit to Philadelphia, I very quickly realized I had a connection with the owner of tattooed mom Robert. His philosophical approach to the bar connected to my own artistic journey. When HAHAxParadigm invited me back to come and paint at such an incredible spot I knew I wanted to pay homage to Robert. Behind the eyes, the lyrics to Philadelphia by Neil Young set the tone but it’s hidden in the reflection that I grounded the piece. Skylines of both Philadelphia and my hometown of Southsea flank the two of us. Kindred spirits.
— Paul Stone aka My Dog Sighs
PHILADELPHIA, PA (September 22nd, 2018) – HAHAxParadigm and South Street Headhouse District announce the installation of two murals along South Street through their ongoing collaborative partnership. The two organizations have been working together since 2014 on the installation of public art pieces with an eye on the revival of South Street’s rich history of cultural movements and evolutionary rebirths. This past Saturday, while over 15,000 walked the district and experienced the installations live in process, UK based artist My Dog Sighs painted his mural at on the 400 block of South during the largest Oktoberfest ever to take place on South Street. Over at Brauhaus Schmitz on the 700 block of South Street, artist Kala Hagopian put up mural celebrating the well-loved German Bierhall & Restaurant.
* My Dog Sighs mural was curated by HAHAxParadigm, supported in part by South Street Headhouse and the Philadelphia Cultural Fund.
Thanks again to @bear_2.1.5 for being Paul’s awesome assist, @tmoms to being our artists’ home away from home, Michael Axelrod for donating the wall, @officialsouthst. Photos and Video: @foxxboogie.
Kala Hagopian
Brauhaus Schmitz, 718 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
Artist Kala Hagopian worked with Brauhaus Schmidt owner, Doug Hager to create a mural that will greet customers with a sense of history and good cheer that has always been an authentic personal touch to the well-loved German Bierhall & restaurant.
The murals’ wording and imagery harkens back the traditional German toast "Hopfen und Malz, Gott erhalts"(translation: Hops and malts, God provides) which reflects the practice of German brewing governed by the Reinheitsgebot (Bavarian purity law) which states that beer should be made of three ingredients: water, barley and hops.
Hagopian is a fine artist and muralist based in Philadelphia PA, a former founding member of the female art Collective, Chroma Dolls LLC and the current founder of Hagopian Arts.
*The Brauhaus Schmitz mural was curated by HAHAxParadigm, supported by Doug Hager, owner of Brauhaus Schmitz.
