Case Maclaim opens Art (Re)Public, Street Art festival, Jacksonville, Florida 2016

Dating back to the early 1900’s, the coastal city Jacksonville, Florida was one of the first and finest art and culture capitals in the country, with nicknames like ‘Winter Film Capital of the World’, the ‘Harlem of the South’ and the ‘Birthplace of The Blues’. Inspired by Jacksonville’s history, Art (Re)Public is the city’s first international art and mural expo that aims to establish the urban core as a nationally recognised art district.  Art (Re)Public’s curatorial theme is ‘Modern City of Dreams’, inspired by Jacksonville’s Golden Age.

Art (Re)Public Jacksonville, founded and curated by Jessica Santiago in conjunction with Iryna Kanishcheva, has invited international renowned street artists; Case Maclaim, James Reka, INO, Waone of Interesni Kazki, Kenor, CYRCLE, René Romero Schuler, Astrograff, Nico Holderbaum and more. The muralists are expected to arrive on 2nd November, for the expo to take place from 11-13 November 2016. There will be thirteen walls for the 2016 mural collection with artists concentrating on Jacksonville’s well-preserved architecture.

German-born graffiti artist known for his photo-realistic portraits, Case Maclaim, arrived a month ahead of the other muralists to official begin the expo. After a city tour Maclaim took inspiration from local businesses, including Chamblin’s Uptown Bookstore, and the rich architectural history that surrounds the wall, including the Trio Buildings.

Maclaim’s mural features hands holding stacks of books, one bearing the title “Story of 100 years”, a nod to the wall’s neighboring buildings, as well as our city’s rich history as an arts and cultural capital. Other titles include Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations and Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet, possibly to suggest the potential for a creative awakening in our city.

All muralists are expected to arrive in Jacksonville by November 4, 2016, officially kicking off Artists Week. While walls and artists are confirmed, specific assignments are subject to change. Check on the website for interactive and downloadable maps.

 

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