Hot off the heels of a fantastic trip to Philadelphia, Shepard and his crew traveled next to Jersey City, New Jersey. On the request of Mayor Steven Fulop, Shepard was asked to create a massive mural on the corner of Columbus Avenue and Grove Street as part of the city’s expanding public art efforts. “The Jersey City Wave” adds to the 55 other murals created in the past two years as part of Mayor Fulop’s public art program.

Here’s what Shepard had to say:

“I’ve had friends in Jersey City for many years and there has always been a lot of creative people here but I’m inspired by the surge of creative support and cultural emphasis that seems to be especially vibrant with the new mural program. The mural is designed to symbolize the renaissance and the cultural wave that Jersey City is riding while also acknowledging its waterfront location and the beauty and power of Mother Nature. I’m a huge believer in the power of public art and grateful to Mayor Fulop for supporting my work as well as public art in general.”

Stay tuned for more updates on the mural progress here!

Artist Shepard Fairey Begins Work on Flagship Mural in Mayor Fulop’s Public Art Program

“The Jersey City Wave” begins production near Newark Pedestrian Plaza

JERSEY CITY – Renowned artist, Shepard Fairey – who created the famous “HOPE” poster during Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign – has begun work on the flagship mural in Jersey City’s public art program. The piece, titled “The Jersey City Wave” will be located on the corner of Columbus Avenue and Grove Street, and is just the latest work in flowering of public art across the city.

“Jersey City’s economic renaissance is coinciding with an actual renaissance. More and more, you’re seeing Jersey City become the go-to place for the creative class,” said Mayor Fulop, “Our mural program, in some cases, is transforming blighted neighborhoods and making our entire city a gallery. We’re extremely proud to be home to Shepard’s newest work.”

“I’ve had friends in Jersey City for many years and there has always been a lot of creative people here but I’m inspired by the surge of creative support and cultural emphasis that seems to be especially vibrant with the new mural program,” said Shepard Fairey. “The mural is designed to symbolize the renaissance and the cultural wave that Jersey City is riding while also acknowledging its waterfront location and the beauty and power of Mother Nature. I’m a huge believer in the power of public art and grateful to Mayor Fulop for supporting my work as well as public art in general.”

Over the past two years, 35 artists from all over the world have created 55 murals across the city. Mayor Fulop began the program with a $150,000 grant from the state.

Jersey City’s embrace of murals comes at a time when the public art scene has exploded in other areas of the country as well, like Los Angeles and Miami’s Wynwood District.

And event to celebrate the mural will be held the evening of Thursday, October 22 with both Shepard and Mayor Fulop in attendance.

All media inquiries should be directed to Ryan Jacobs, Communications Director for Mayor Steven M. Fulop.

Ryan Jacobs
Communications Director
201-547-4836
201-390-2541

Photo by @raffiweather via instagram