Mural

Background: 

When it comes to art forms, artists keep on trying different material and different canvas to create innovative artworks. Such a piece of art, which can directly be applied on any other large and permanent surface is called a Mural. 

What is Mural? 

A mural is a piece of artwork painted or applied directly on a wall, ceiling or any other permanent surfaces like wood etc. An important characteristic of mural painting is that the architectural elements of the given space are harmoniously incorporated into the picture. Sometimes, these paintings are painted on large canvases, which are then attached to the wall. This technique has been in common use since the late 19th century. 

Murals usually have a purpose and can have a dramatic impact, consciously or subconsciously on the attitudes of the people coming across it. They are used as a tool, for expressing the concerns, hopes, values and memories of the people or community commissioning it. In recent times, murals have also been made concerning political, social and environmental issues. On the other hand, some murals are even made depicting children at play and scenes from everyday life. Most importantly they are done in a way that everybody can understand and enjoy them. 

History of Mural

The history of Murals is very old, and date back to Upper Paleolithic age, in the form of cave paintings. During the middle age, murals were created on dry plaster.  Circa 1300, a new technique of painting was re-introduced in Italy. In this technique, frescos were painted on wet plaster, which greatly enhanced the quality of mural painting. 

Techniques of Mural 

In the history of mural several methods have been used: 

• Fresco: This technique of making mural, water-soluble paints are mixed with a damp lime wash. This mixture is spread over a large surface. The colors lighten as they dry. 
• Buon fresco: In this technique of making mural, pigment is mixed with water on a thin layer of wet, fresh, lime mortar or plaster. The pigment is then absorbed by the wet plaster. After some time, the plaster dries. 
• Fresco-secco: In this technique of making mural, painting is done on dry plaster. Since the surface is dry, a glue or oil is used as binding medium to attach the pigment to the wall. 
• Mezzo fresco: In this technique of making mural, painting is done on a nearly-dry plaster. This was the pigment only penetrates slightly into the plaster. 

Mural in modern times: 

In modern times, the word ‘mural’ has become more popular with Mexican muralism art movement, with Diego Rivera emerging as one of the most important artists of the time. Now, the beauty of wall murals has been enhanced to a great deal, whereby a painting or photographic image is transferred to a canvas which is then pasted to a wall surface. This gives the mural enhanced effect of either a hand-painted mural or realistic scene. 

Conclusion: 

A mural is a piece of artwork painted or implemented directly on a wall or any other large permanent surface. An important characteristic of a mural is that the architectural elements of the given area are harmoniously encompasses into the picture. Murals usually have a purpose and can have a dramatic impact, consciously or subconsciously on the attitudes of the people coming across it. They are used as a tool, for expressing the concerns, hopes, values and memories of the people or community commissioning it. In recent times, murals have also been made concerning political, social and environmental issues; on the other hand, some are even made depicting children at play and scenes from everyday life. Most importantly they are done in a way that everybody can understand and enjoy them.