Since the work of Banksy, we as a society have become greatly enthused by the use of street art. It’s bold, daring and individual nature capturing our undivided attention and bringing life to architecture. Now, many entrepreneurs are all too keen to display their passion for this art form in their work environments. Injecting personality into the décor, complimenting the creative ethos of many of these companies.
Whether they’re the mighty Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, or the manager of an office block in Singapore, evidence of this art form has been cropping up all over the world. And whilst some have taken a minimalist approach in their application of office murals, others have been much more daring, boasting bold and innovative designs upon their walls. Their purpose: to awe, inspire and manifest the uncontained spirit of art, ambitious in both its concept and size amongst the workforce. To see more, press ctrl and click on the YouTube image to see the artists in action!
The United States: Facebook Headquarters
Where better to start than at the Facebook Headquarters? A workplace that is already notorious for its use of skateboards and inflatables amongst other things. Mark Zuckerberg’s vision is all about breaking away from the conventional norms. Well, his offices are most definitely a testament to this. Allowing artist David Choe to run riot about the building under the given inspiration that the social-networking giant was “ridiculous and pointless,” Facebook’s base was indeed transformed.
Not exactly promoting the Facebook cause but it certainly did the artist a lot of good, making him a Facebook millionaire with shares worth $200 million! See Choe at work here.
The United States: New Deal Post Office Murals
No such list would be complete without a tribute to one of the greatest collections of murals around; the post-depression murals. This art work, adorning post offices built during Roosevelt’s New Deal. Of course, these aren’t quite as modern as those seen at Facebook HQ; but they are still pretty incredible.
With the “nation at work” motif dominating the theme, the creation of this office mural was in fact used as a way to provide artists with work, building hope during an economically challenging time.
Singapore: Euro RSCG
Euro RSCG’s (now known as Havas Worldwide) offices in Singapore got their creative re-vamp in 2009 from a Malaysian-born artist and illustrator, Andy Yang. His mission: to bring a burst of colour and excitement to their dull entrance hallway in three months. And boy did he create a visionary spectacle.
Yang, who began his career painting surreal landscapes, based his ideas on abstract expressionism. This apparent in his work created with acrylic, oil and spray paints and uses of collage across a 60 meter length wall; attempting to reflect the agency’s manifesto: celebrating the spirit of being “First.”
United Kingdom : Break-Dancing Jesus
Okay I’ll admit, this mural isn’t exactly located in an office. But it is adjacent to a venue that was originally an office. Still, as I walk past this mural every day on my way to work, I thought it was definitely worth a mention here as it’s a real local landmark in the city of Bristol.
Built within a week on a 25ft wall, using materials including a 1kg pot of gold glitter, this mural was created by Cosmo Sarson. The graffiti artist who won the right to paint this prestigious wall (prestigious because it’s opposite the work of Banksy) in a competition, his work now in public view for the next two years. A rather controversial piece, but still a hit!
So, in case you were planning to award your office with a little facelift in 2013, perhaps murals would be a potential thing to consider? They’ll certainly bring something a little different to your workplace. If you hope to reignite the creative spark within your employees – this would be the way to do it. However, I can’t promise they won’t get a little distracted by it in the conference room from time to time …
Would you dare to bring this kind of art into your professional space? Which murals do you like the most? Comment below.
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