10 best murals in Calgary to get that perfect portrait pic (PHOTOS)

Jul 26 2019, 4:00 pm

#IGWallsOfYYC has been a trending hashtag the past couple of years, especially during the summer months.

Artists are often commissioned to build stunning murals that are both visually stunning, yet often have a hidden, deeper meaning.

Check out these 10 mesmerizing murals around Calgary to get that perfect shot of your Instagram. Don’t forget to hashtag #IGWallsOfYYC.

Pardners

 

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This mural was painted by Edmonton-based muralist Jill Stanton. Over the last few years, she’s painted 24 murals across Canada and takes inspiration from the surrounding city’s culture.

Location: Gravitypope – 1126 — 17th Avenue SW, Calgary

Sôhkâtisiwin

 

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Created by Montreal artist Kevin Ledo, the name of this painting is a Cree word meaning “strength and power.” This mural is actually a portrait of Angela Gladue, who is from Alberta and lived in Calgary for many years. Ledo’s work aims to celebrate diversity and is often inspired by photography.

Location: City Centre Parkade — 340 10th Avenue SW, Calgary

Milk

 

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Calgary-based muralist and illustrator Nicole Wolf created this mural based on a spiritual experience she had wherein a large raven landed on her shoulder. This is significant in the Metis culture as it is believed that a raven landing on your shoulder signifies being able to hear from the Creator.

Location: 10th Avenue and 12th Street SW

Abstract Pattern

 

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This mural was created by Calgary-based artistic duo Shane Arsenault and Rhys Douglas Farell. The concept was to essentially brighten up the space and a small piece of the city. The artists aim to bring positivity to the city through their large works.

Location: Saneal Cameras — 1402 — 11th Avenue SW

Cougar

 

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At the young age of 19, Faith47 became an illustrator and went on to paint murals around the globe. She is originally from Capetown, South Africa but moved to Los Angeles to further pursue her career.

Location: 735 12th Avenue SW

Bee Together

 

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Natalie Nehlawi is a Syrian-Canadian muralist from Kanata, Ontario. She says the inspiration for this mural came from her childhood and upbringing. The swarm of bees in flight symbolize their strength and fight for survival.

Location: 10th Avenue and 12th Street SW

Colourful Abstract Piece

 

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This mural was created by artist-duo Nasarimba. The duo, Mikhail Miller and Rachel Ziriada, are based in Calgary and says the mural explores the journey through the artistic process of playing with mainstream shapes and primary colours, then mending them together to create something more abstract.

Location: Tubby Dog — 1022 —17th Avenue SW

East Village Lips

 

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Little is known about this mural except that it is part of an underpass in the East Village, which seems to be a hotbed for murals and artists.

Location: 4th Street SE Underpass

Green and Pink Faces

 

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Located on the side of the Commonwealth Bar and Stage. The mural is said to represent the many different faces that society can wear.

Location: Commonwealth Bar and Stage — 731 — 10th Avenue SW, Calgary

Magnifying Glass

 

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The magnifying glass is a relatively new mural that’s just popped up in the East Village, created by Alex Wong and another by the name of Bravo Toner. The mural has no officially recorded name, however, both artists enjoy the innocence of childhood as a source of inspiration.

Location: On the corner of 7th Street and 2nd Avenue NW

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