IncrediBULL New Art Brightens Downtown Durham

September kicked off with a surprise for Durhamites. Not one, but two absolutely stunning murals popped up seemingly overnight. They’re bright. They’re vibrant. They’re in honor of Latinx heritage. They’re everything the formerly boring street needed! The loading dock doors of the Durham Convention Center went from drab to faBULLous. 

I interviewed the artist of the Frida inspired mural that is named, “I Am My Own Muse,” after the words of Frida herself. The artist’s name is Cecilia Lueza. She’s been painting professionally for 20 years, which shows in her amazing mural that seemed to have been created in a blink of an eye.

My biggest question is how did you get the mural done so fast!?! You’re extraordinarily talented.

Cecilia answer, “Thanks so much! I use spray paint and that helps accelerate the process.” 

How did you hear about the opportunity to do the mural?  

“I was invited by the North Carolina Museum of Art.”

How did you come up with the design? 

“The purpose of the murals is to bring awareness to the upcoming museum’s exhibition, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Mexican Modernism from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection. So, this provided me with a great source of inspiration for my design.”

What is this type of painting style called? 

“I’m not sure, I have my own style that’s mostly inspired by color, nature, and geometry.  I think my work reflects my lifelong fascination with the visual effects of color and the concepts of space, movement, and transition. I like to combine figuration with abstraction to create images that are one of a kind.”

Have you stopped by to see the new murals on Chapel Hill Street?