Las Vegas, a populated tourist city, is known for its entertainment, attractions, culinary experiences, and art. People from all over the nation, and even the globe, visit Las Vegas and its benefactors but does any individual actually interpret the art of Las Vegas?
Downtown Las Vegas is covered in street art. Every corner of the city showers in murals that take a different perspective for each individual. These murals really started to make their appearance when the first Life is Beautiful festival began in 2013. The arts district came alive, making Downtown LV a place for creativity and culture.
Life is Beautiful has continuously grown attracting crowds of “65,000 daily,” according to Review Journal. Which has resulted in more revenue and energy to the area. The festival had and continues to commission art projects, essentially creating the effect of a free gallery.
Artists, whether local or international, have created iconic work that continue to speak to observers. In what way you may ask? It’s all in the individual’s perspective. How does the art, located Downtown, speak to you?
For this article, a Junior from Desert Oasis High School joined me on a journey to Downtown Las Vegas to interpret different art murals and help interpret their meaning. Yet keep in mind, as you read, because we have our own perspectives and thoughts, comments may differ from one another and other tourists.
Shelby Saliby, a Junior at Desert Oasis High School, has always had a creative side since she was younger. Simple art projects provoke her to continue her art journey especially if it means she gets to spend more time in art club with her friends. When asked what this piece of artwork means to her she had many different takes to put into consideration. However, she reflected on this piece of art and created an inspiring perspective to the piece.
“This art piece means to me the happiness that we show off, but our feelings behind the mask,” Saliby continues, “I think as if the person behind the mask is feeling down but wants others to see that he’s happy.”
Art means more than entertainment or something pretty to look at. Oftentimes, as humans, we can reflect on the deeper meaning behind the art piece and what the author wanted to portray. Each and every piece can be taken away as an inspiring message or to create an inspirational flame inside of an artist. For Saliby, she took away both a message and a viewpoint.
“I love the color the artist uses; and the use of light and shading in the art,” Saliby commented.
Each individual has different perspectives because each human has their own conscience, creativity, and soul. How do you portray the artwork downtown and what meaning unfolds to your story?
