Graffiti has long had a bad reputation as a despoiler of public spaces such as trains and buildings. Cities have spent much time and considerable money to erase the efforts of its perpetrators, including passing laws against what are called “nuisance images.”
But a sea change has happened in relation to this artistic impulse, as many towns and cities have realized that street art can be a force for good. Ugly graffiti is being crowded out by art whose beauty and creativity reflect the unique identities of local communities.
All photos courtesy of Bob Sessions.
As someone with a passion for photography, I’ve loved taking pictures of street art. From Rapid City, South Dakota, to London, England, I’ve been dazzled and impressed by images that often fill alleys and back corners of downtowns.
In my hometown of Iowa City, the transition from graffiti to attractive artwork began about 10 years ago when artist Thomas Agran, then director of the Downtown District of Iowa City, enlisted dozens of local artists to paint murals on several buildings in Iowa City. By 2018, the renaissance of street artwork there was in full swing.
Today Iowa City has over thirty murals in its downtown district, in a wide range of styles. New works continue to be added each year. Some of the artists are paid, while others contribute out of a desire to express themselves.
I’m delighted that our city is part of this shift in public attitudes toward street art, and invite you to take a walking tour in the streets and alleyways that comprise Iowa City’s outdoor art museum, using this interactive map as a guide.
“Greetings From Downtown Iowa City” (2017) by Thomas Agran.
“Hare” by an unknown artist.
The images which follow offer some of the highlights of the artworks you’d encounter while wandering the streets of Iowa City. For instance, these images are of some of the earliest murals which were done under the guidance of Thomas Agran in 2013 on New Pioneer Co-op’s downtown building at 22 S. Van Buren St. in Iowa City.
Detail from New Pioneer Co-op mural (2013) by Thomas Agran.
Detail from New Pioneer Co-op mural (2013) by Thomas Agran.
“Is this Heaven? No. It’s the Ped Mall” (2014) by Megan Dehner.
A more recent addition is “"Room with a View" by Amos Goldbaum, which shows his enthusiasm for the proliferation of street artwork in Iowa City by having the artist looking out his window at downtown artwork while painting in his own home.
“Room with A View” (2023) by Amos Goldbaum.
Just around the corner from Goldbaum’s “Room,” is a panel of murals that exists across from the public library, depicting a number of children’s stories.
“Campfire Stories” (2020) by Drew Etienne.
And while this article focuses on paintings, there are many three-dimensional works of art in public spaces in downtown Iowa City.
“Scribble Trees” (winter installation of neon rope light, 2022-2023) by Ali Hval.
“Ties that Bind” (2001) by Jane DeDecker.
Many murals are fairly realistic, but many are quite abstract too.
Detail from “Medicine for the Soul” (2001, Refurbished 2012) by Anne Ullerich.
“The Reciprocal of Humanity” (2020) by Robert Moore and Dana Harrison.
“Coexist” (2018) by Sayuri Sasaki Hemann and United Action for Youth.
“Screendance” (2018) by Marina Ross.
Among my favorite murals in downtown Iowa City are in the alleys where doorways are beautified and made almost invisible.
India Cafe doorway (2023) by Amanda Stout.
Heirloom Salad Company doorway (2023) by Erica Danner.
I also love this haunting image of a woman looking at the stars.
Detail from “The Racoon and the Firefly” (2018) by Dave Loewenstein.
In another alley you will find “The Return” by Chris Vance, the most abstract and probably the most labor-intensive artwork in downtown that is evocative of the artistic style, pointillism.
“The Return” (2018) by Chris Vance
Photo courtesy of Bob Sessions.