Mural project gets mixed reviews

Posted at: 07/27/2012 5:23 PM | Updated at: 07/27/2012 6:20 PM
By: Joangel Concepcion | WHEC.com

New murals are appearing on the sides of buildings in Rochester. Some people are calling them controversial.  Warning: Some of the images in this story may be offensive to some viewers.

The Wall Therapy Project was created to inspire people all over the world. This week, artists have now brought some of that inspiration to Rochester. The artists are world renowned.  Even though the murals are supposed to bring positivity to the area, there is one that is getting mixed reviews from several people in downtown Rochester. 

Several artists from all over the world have been painting murals throughout the city in an effort to add a little zest to Rochester neighborhoods. But even though some of the artists say these murals are meant to inspire, there’s one in particular that’s causing some waves. 

Alvin Calder lives right across the street from the mural. He was one of several people with a very strong opinion about it. 

Calder said, “The positions are suggestive. There’s a lot of kids downtown. I don’t think this is appropriate. I think the artist knew exactly what he was doing too.” 

The artist did not want to talk on camera. His name is Rao, a 35-year-old artist from Belgium. He says the bears are doing nothing but sleeping. He says it is about togetherness and he doesn’t mean anything negative by it. Some local residents aren’t bothered by it at all. The mural may have caused a little controversy in the neighborhood, but it didn’t stop several people from stopping by to take a look. 

The artist says it is still not complete and should be done within two days. One resident hopes the end result will hopefully smooth thing over. 

Jose Luis Collazo, who supports the mural, said, “I think it's in process I think when they get all done with it I don't think it'll be too scary for the kids.” 

The city of Rochester released a statement. “The city supports the mural effort. These are world renowned artists who had permission from the property owners to display the murals. However, the city does not have control over the content. It’s similar to a freedom of speech issue. We do not control artistic content.”

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