Art Scene Hits the Streets in San Diego

By Hannah Dellinger

This September Project Ethos is going back to San Diego, home of colorful, exciting, and fresh graffiti art. There are murals all over the city that combines spray paint and acrylic on all kinds of surfaces. A big trend in the San Diego art world is for street artists to collaborate together in order to make art that breaks boundaries and is designed for the whole community to enjoy.

Chor Boogie

Chor Boogie is one of San Diego’s premier street artists. He was born and raised in San Diego and decided at a young age that he would be an artist. Boogie’s artwork is influenced by classical painters like Michelangelo, surreal artists like Dali, and is infused with spray-painting techniques from modern day graffiti artists like Phase2. Boogie uses unique colors, movement, shapes, and light in his work in order to wake up the viewer. He paints on buildings because it gives the piece a sense of belonging and creation that every passerby can enjoy and appreciate.

Dave “Bunny Kitty” Persue

Dave Persue, also known as “Bunny Kitty”, has a collection of spray paint art all over San Diego that is unique, hip, and fun. You can easily identify one of Persue’s murals by his trademark cartoon cat wearing a rabbit costume. Persue’s artwork takes a spin on traditional graffiti, using bright pinks and purples, and characters that have a cute playful cartoon quality. Persue is also known for working with other promising San Diego street artists. His latest collaboration was part of the SD Wall Session series on July 4th and 5^th at an art supply store.

Gloria “Glow” Muriel

Gloria Muriel, also known as “Glow,” primarily works with acrylic on canvas to create an enchanting and melancholy world of surreal subjects immersed in nature. Muriel has recently branched out to work with mural mediums and with other San Diego street artists. Whether Muriel’s work is on canvas or a building, she uses symbols and mystery to express an intermingling feeling of sadness and joy. She paints girls with large, sad eyes that are immersed in nature and music to symbolize losing yourself in another world of creativity.

Michael “Monstrinho” Amorillo

Michael Amorillo, also known as “Monstrinho” (Portuguese for little monster,) draws inspiration from the beach scene of San Diego. Amorillo uses a variety of mediums including spray paint and acrylic on all kinds of surfaces. His work pops off of buildings and bursts with color and imagination. Amorillo’s art takes inspiration from musicians like Bob Marley, Os Gemeos, and Keith Herring. His early interest in comic books accounts for the story-telling quality of his art. The theme for Amorillo’s art is the feeling of complete freedom without limitations or boundaries.