Menu
The New Contemporary Art Magazine

Steve Powers’s New Mural at the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen

In the 1950s, the American government touted Abstract Expressionist painters like Jackson Pollock as the ultimate American artists. Their individualistic attitude and pioneering painting techniques made them easy to market as the opposite of the collective-oriented, socialist mindset the U.S. was combatting during the Cold War. Could street artists become today's personification of American individualism? As the art form transitions from illegal to institutionalized, this possibility is not too far off. Steve "ESPO" Powers, (an internationally-respected artist who, it is important to note, started out as a graffiti kid) was recently invited to paint the exterior wall of the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen. Read more after the jump.

In the 1950s, the American government touted Abstract Expressionist painters like Jackson Pollock as the ultimate American artists. Their individualistic attitude and pioneering painting techniques made them easy to market as the opposite of the collective-oriented, socialist mindset the U.S. was combatting during the Cold War. Could street artists become today’s personification of American individualism? As the art form transitions from illegal to institutionalized, this possibility is not too far off.

Steve “ESPO” Powers, (an internationally-respected artist who, it is important to note, started out as a graffiti kid) was recently invited to paint the exterior wall of the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen. A gesture of friendship, according to the embassy, the mural is based on the tale of Hans Christian Andersen, “The Red Shoes,” a story about vanity and redemption (something Powers said he intended to be a commentary on today’s culture). Powers completed the mural earlier this week. Check out contributing photographer Henrik Haven’s photos of the new piece below.

Meta
Topics
Share
Facebook
Reddit
Pinterest
Email
Related Articles
We’re happy to announce that Roq La Rue Gallery will be hosting our 2025 Hi-Fructose Invitational in Seattle on June 7th. The show will celebrate our 20 years of being an artist-owned and operated independent publisher and will feature an outstanding line-up of New Contemporary artists who have been shown in our pages, including this powerful sculpture by Beth Cavener entitled “G.O.A.T”. Look for more info on previews and artist list soon.
(Above: Drone photo by stephan pruitt/fiasco media) We are living in even stranger times. While fires are ravaging Los Angeles on the west coast of the United States, affecting many of our friends and collaborators, the scores of artists in Asheville affected by Hurricane Helene in December are still reeling from the loss of their homes and studios. To provide support, Bender Gallery has organized an art show with their local artists to support the River Arts District. Click above to read all about it and see a few works on display.
Hi-Fructose issue 73 is coming soon! Get a sneak peek of it by clicking the above image, thereby making your life complete.
Less than two years ago, New Mexico painter Anthony Hurd completely changed the subject matter depicted in his paintings, focusing on themes which related to the artist on a more personal level. While Hurd’s graphic paintings of dynamic skulls were quite popular, his painterly depictions of male figures having intimate moments are simple and powerful. See the full video here!

Subscribe to the Hi-Fructose Mailing List