Phase Two of 352 Walls Brings Ukrainian Muralists

Gainesville has always been a beautiful place.

Most residents wander around Paynes Prairie for natural beauty or head to campus to find historical beauty, but the city has recently taken on a new task of beautification: making the walls that line our streets an artful experience.

The city of Gainesville’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs departments has made wall art their mission through the 352 Walls program. Phase two of this multi-year program is underway with the hiring of Ukrainian muralist duo Interesni Kazki to transform the side of the Market Street Pub building at Southwest First Avenue and Southwest First Street.

Interesni Kazki, which is made up of Aleksei Bordusov and Vladimir Manzhos, began the largest installment of the 352 Walls project last Friday and will continue for roughly 10 days. The duo helped initiate the urban art movement in Eastern Europe and have painted all around the world. Their work focuses mostly on wall art in large cities. Now, the two are bringing their work to the 352.

The name Interesni Kazki translates to interesting fairytale or story. Their images incorporate themes of science, religion, cosmology and social subjects.

“Every single piece…contains a secret to decipher,” said Aleksei Bordusov, one-half of Interesni Kazki.

According to Russell Etling, the Cultural Affairs Manager with City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, the trend of neo-muralism has been a fast-growing trend in urban cities, but rarely have cities like Gainesville seen projects of this size. 352 Walls will bring culture to every street in Gainesville.

“Experiencing art provokes thought,” Etling said. “Public art tends to lift your spirits and make you proud of the community you’re involved with.”

Projects like 352 increase the richness of Gainesville and continues to transform it’s “college town” reputation into one of bustling city life and culture.

Etling encourages the community to come out and see Interesni Kazki work their magic throughout the next week, especially during the afternoon when the art can best be seen.

“Street art attracts visitors, revitalizes economic development, encourages new businesses and increases the overall quality of life,” Etling said.

---