One of Downtown’s most high-profile developments will soon stand out even more.
The revamped Whex Garage at 210 W 4th Street, which the city spent over $28 million on as part of the Convention District’s revitalization, will soon feature a mural that’s seven stories tall from the Austin-based contemporary artist and acclaimed muralist DAAS.
Local arts nonprofit 1001 Colors put out a request for qualifications in October of last year in combination with the Cincinnati Center City Development Corp., who ultimately decided DAAS’s artistic style was the best fit.
His design draws inspiration from river currents, bridge structures and the paths people take through the city. Reflecting the theme Convergence, the mural illustrates flowing bands that meet, overlap and intersect at key points, while interlocking shapes emphasize connection.
“Having the opportunity to contract DAAS for this massive opportunity is a huge win for Cincinnati,” said Liz Miller, senior director of programs for 1001 Colors. “Not only does DAAS bring with him a wealth of first-hand experience producing monumental public murals, but he also brings his signature abstract aesthetic – an artistic style that is less represented among our city’s public art portfolio.”
DAAS will travel to Cincinnati for just over a month to complete the mural, working alongside local artists Chase Melendez and Matt Grote to finish the project. Once the wall has been power washed and primed, the team will paint on-site Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until the mural is finished. Over the course of the project, they expect to use approximately 100 gallons of paint.
“It’s an honor to be part of Cincinnati’s growing public art collection and create something people will see and experience every day,” DAAS said. “Working from the theme of Convergence, I drew inspiration from the Ohio River, the city’s bridges, and the movement of people throughout Cincinnati. Those influences became a series of flowing geometric forms that move across the entire garage, turning it into something more than just infrastructure. My hope is that it gives the building its own identity and encourages people to see a familiar place in a new way.”
The mural is expected to be finished sometime in September. For more information, visit the official 1001 Colors website.
