PichiAvo’s Monumental Mural in Charlottesville, Virginia

GraffitiStreet was invited by the developers of 5th Street Station in Charlottesville, Virginia, to curate a large-scale mural by internationally renowned Spanish artist duo PichiAvo. Painted beside the development’s new food hall, The Yard, the finished work measures an imposing 45 feet wide by 34 feet high and brings PichiAvo’s distinctive fusion of classical mythology and contemporary graffiti to a major architectural façade.

A Monumental Mural for 5th Street Station

5th Street Station was being developed as a major shopping, dining and social destination, with The Yard conceived as a new gathering space combining restaurants, indoor and outdoor seating and communal areas.

“We expect their mural to match the energetic and eclectic vibe we are trying to create at The Yard and know their artwork will be a great addition to the location.”
Jeff Garrison — 5th Street Station Ventures

The developers wanted a work of art capable of matching the scale and energy of the development.

GraffitiStreet worked with PichiAvo on the commission, with Rosh Boroumand travelling to the United States and working directly with the artists and project partners as the mural took shape.

At 45 feet wide and 34 feet high, the work needed to command the architecture around it. PichiAvo began painting on 27 October 2017 and completed the mural on 7 November.

The Story Behind Rivanna River by Poseidon

PichiAvo titled the mural Rivanna River by Poseidon, drawing inspiration from Charlottesville’s Rivanna River.

At the centre of the composition is Poseidon, the classical Greek god of the sea, accompanied by horses whose movement and strength evoke the force of flowing water. The mythological imagery is layered with PichiAvo’s characteristic graffiti, creating the collision between antiquity and contemporary urban culture for which the duo has become internationally recognised.

The artists also looked to the identity of Charlottesville itself. Orange and blue, colours strongly associated with the University of Virginia, were incorporated into the wider palette, giving the mural another connection to its location.

The project was also shaped by the welcome PichiAvo received in Charlottesville. Over nearly two weeks on site, the artists worked in public view as the mural gradually became part of the wider 5th Street Station environment.

“It has been an absolute pleasure being invited to Charlottesville, a place where we felt at home, and we would like to thank all the people we have met on the journey for their kindness and support.” PichiAvo

That connection to place is central to the commission. Rivanna River by Poseidon was developed specifically for Charlottesville, drawing on the local river, the University of Virginia colour palette and the scale of the surrounding development.

Curated by GraffitiStreet

For GraffitiStreet, the project demonstrated what can happen when the right artist, architecture and location are brought together.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed curating this project for 5th Street Station and witnessing the mural come to fruition. We are, as always, super impressed with the artistic talents of Pichi and Avo. The huge size and strong composition of this mural not only reflects the sheer force of the River Rivanna, but also the huge complex of 5th Street Station. Once again PichiAvo deliver an extraordinary masterpiece, this time for the people of Charlottesville to enjoy in their new yard.”
Rosh Boroumand — Co-Founder, GraffitiStreet

The commission was developed in response to the scale of 5th Street Station and the cultural identity of Charlottesville. PichiAvo’s monumental composition gives the building a visual identity of its own while remaining unmistakably part of the artists’ wider practice.

Commission a Large-Scale Mural

GraffitiStreet works with developers, businesses, architects, interior designers and private clients to realise large-scale murals, site-specific artworks and bespoke artist commissions in the UK and internationally.

From selecting the right artist and developing the creative direction to coordinating production and delivery, we work closely with both artist and client to create work that responds authentically to its location.

Explore our Commissions page to discuss a project, or read more about our Urban Art Consultancy and large-scale commissions.

Special thanks to Derrick J. Waller Photography for documenting the project.