Downtown Charleston Street Art
Handsome Properties September 23, 2020
Handsome Properties September 23, 2020
In a city known worldwide for its exciting architecture and vibrant art scene, a new breed of artist has emerged. Aggressive yet tasteful, poppy yet conscious, the street artists of Charleston have elevated the classical styling of the city with an impressive splash of color.
Nestled into parking lots and tucked behind bars, these dynamic works of tag-art serve as giant, dazzling easter eggs, available to all. Often socially conscious and defined by their public voice, these artists have nonetheless developed very distinct and unique styles- styles that have echoed far beyond Charleston into international acclaim.
This piece was initially meant as an advertisement for a winery, but its capture of the local dining scene quickly elevated it beyond its humble roots. Overlooking the famous Poogan’s Porch restaurant, the mural depicts a classical Charleston, complete with top hats and corsages.
The faces, however, may be familiar to some- the people in the mural are prominent figures from Charleston’s culinary world, including members of Hominy Grill and GrowFood Carolina.
Artist: David Boatwright | Mira Winery Building | 68 ½ Queen Street
Tucked into the back garden of the Big Gun Burger Shop, Douglas Panzone has used this space to cleverly reference one of the most famous burgers of all time- the iconic Big Kahuna Burger from the opening scene of Pulp Fiction, complete with Samuel L. Jackson and a splash of psychedelia.
Panzone himself has risen to prominence in the Charleston art scene, and many of his murals can be seen scattered between downtown Charleston and Folly. His work often features intricate background designs, vibrant colors and pop styling, and his characters can be spotted from a distance thanks to his unique and particular ability to communicate depth through the eyes.
Artist: Douglas Panzone | Big Gun Burger Shop & Bar | 137 Calhoun St
The Charleston Hat Man sits on beautiful Broad Street, outside of the former Plenge Haberdashery. This quirky piece was painted in 1892, by an unknown artist as an advertisement for the historical hatmaker. Still remarkably well-maintained, a close eye might count the 16 different hats in the picture
Artist: Unknown | Former Plenge Haberdashery | 43-47 Broad St
One of the most influential street artists in the world, Shepard Fairey is perhaps best known for his iconic HOPE poster, used by Barack Obama in his 2008 presidential campaign. However, long before he was a renowned muralist, he was a boy from Charleston, South Carolina.
After gaining notoriety with his now-famous Andre the Giant tribute design, Fairey left the low-country as his star rose in the global pop art community. In 2014, he returned home to Charleston to add his personal touch, premiering his Pride and Glory series.
Scattered across several walls, alleys and facades downtown, a powerful palette of red, black and gold dominates the series, while he embraces the contrast in motifs of both nature and growth, encouraging themes of sustainability and responsible achievement.
Artist: Shepard Fairey | Hed Hi Media | 654 King St
Artist: Shepard Fairey | College Lodge | 159 Calhoun St
Artist: Shepard Fairey | Groucho’s Deli | 354 King St.
Artist: Shepard Fairey | Francis Marion Hotel | Photo courtesy of the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art
For more information, call Handsome Properties via phone (843) 727-6460 or email [email protected].
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