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Oliver Gadoury © 2025

May 2024

Mexico City, Mexico

Muro Verde
Apapacho Hostel Mural Painting

This second wall in my triptych painted during my residency at Apapacho draws inspiration from Colonia Tránsito, the neighbouring district to the South of where I was staying during my time in the city. This façade in particular is based on a shop that was selling trailers. Unlike in Canada, where neighbourhoods are usually a mix of various businesses, I was intrigued by how in Mexico City, specific industries gather in certain districts. During my runs and explorations, I found that Colonia Tránsito is an area filled with mechanics and auto shops, providing perfect inspiration for my love of drawing cars and vehicles. To add some more interest to the scene, I added in a vintage muscle car, based on one I had seen parked in the street nearby.

During a month-long residency at Apapacho Hostel in Mexico City, I had the opportunity to create a trio of murals, extending up each landing of the building’s main staircase. For this project, I aimed to capture the essence of the cityscape by blending elements encountered during my stay into reimagined compositions. From architectural details and vehicles to street scenes and bustling crowds. Departing from my usual black-and-white style, I opted for a more colourful approach to bring more vibrancy and vitality into the surrounding spaces. Each piece stands distinct yet harmonious, offering a glimpse into the often-overlooked beauty found within the lively streets of Mexico City.

Services

Art Direction, Illustration, Mural Painting

undefined undefined : One wall down, two to go. With the paint barely dry on the first mural, I was already getting started on the second mural in the triptych on the floor directly above.

[01] One wall down, two to go. With the paint barely dry on the first mural, I was already getting started on the second mural in the triptych on the floor directly above.

undefined undefined : For this level, I chose a fresh colour palette of greens. As you climb the stairs, I wanted the colours to go from the warm colours of orange and yellow, making becoming fresher and cooler as you get higher, with greens on this, the second, floor, before ultimately arriving at the top wall, painted in blues.

[02] For this level, I chose a fresh colour palette of greens. As you climb the stairs, I wanted the colours to go from the warm colours of orange and yellow, making becoming fresher and cooler as you get higher, with greens on this, the second, floor, before ultimately arriving at the top wall, painted in blues.

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[05] From start to finish, this wall took me about 4 days to complete.

undefined undefined : Slightly larger than the first wall, this painting was the first I had done to require us to create scaffolding. With the narrow landing, the scaffolding occupied nearly all the surface area.

[06] Slightly larger than the first wall, this painting was the first I had done to require us to create scaffolding. With the narrow landing, the scaffolding occupied nearly all the surface area.

undefined undefined : The completed piece.

[07] The completed piece.

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