Last month, we stepped out of the studio and onto our bikes to explore this year’s installment of murals curated by Pow! Wow! DC. Located in the NOMA neighborhood in Washington, D.C., Pow! Wow! brings some of the world’s most talented street artists and graffiti writers to our doorstep, all with the mission “to beautify, educate and bring people together through the power of art.” It’s a newer event—it was first launched in Hawaii by Jasper Wong, and 2018 marks its 3rd year in action here in the District.
“The name POW! WOW! was inspired from the color filled pages of comic books. ‘POW!’ being the impact that art has on a person; a punch in the face, something that surprised you. ‘WOW!’ being the reaction that art has on a viewer.” —Pow! Wow! DC website
Checking out a mural from last year by Ricardo Gonzalez. Interesting messaging for a parking lot. Photo by Amber Breitenberg.
One of our long-time collaborators Emma McAlary photographed the murals in progress for Pow! Wow!, so she led us on a bike tour of some of her favorite works throughout NOMA and the Metropolitan Branch Trail. This year’s impressive artist roster includes D.C.’s own No Kings Collective, Marcella Kriebel, Golden Rabbit Silent Monkey, and Zunzima, as well as RICHT from Bristol, England, Wingchow, and Mari Inukai, among many others. For us, this was all about getting a little fresh air and fresh inspiration—and we really enjoyed getting an up-close look at the ways in which artists both from D.C. and around the world are creatively engaging our home turf.
Take a quick scroll through some of our favorites below!
Mural by Richt; K St NE.Mural by Golden Rabbit Silent Monkey.This isn’t new work for Capital Bikeshare, but *ahem* it could be. Thanks to our guide Emma McAlary! Photo by Amber Breitenberg.By Zunzima. We loved this mix of painting and abstract letter-form. Zunzima is originally from Japan, but now lives and works here in D.C.Bubble dragon by Wingchow.Mari Inukai. This one was painted completely by hand/with a paintbrush—so no spray cans.
For a little inspiration of your own, be sure to follow Pow! Wow! on Instagram to check out their incredible lineup of artists both from 2018 and past years. We’re looking forward to seeing next year’s line-up!
