Project Overview

I Love Memphis Mural | Cooper Young

UrbanArt has partnered with the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau and the City of Memphis to produce a series of small murals throughout the city around the theme: 'I Love Memphis'. This is the first mural in the series and was designed by Memphis artist Brandon Marshall. It is a simple and bold expression of pride in the city and the love Memphians share with one another. It is a recognizable symbol of Memphis pride and has become a favorite photo-op spot by Memphians and visitors alike. 

About the Artist

Brandon Marshall

Brandon Marshall is a Memphis, TN artist and musician. He performs as Artistik Approach together with UrbanArt's Siphne Sylve.

Marshall is a Memphis boy, born and raised. He grew up in East Memphis, and when he was 8 or 9 years old, he and his friends started sneaking down into the vast network of drainage ditches that run under the city. The ditches were originally designed to address the problem of stagnant water and prevent the spread of yellow fever. By the time Marshall discovered them, the tunnels had become a safe place for Memphis graffiti artists to practice their skills.

Marshall and his friends were fascinated by the different artists whose work they saw both under and aboveground. By age 13, the boys were buying spray paint and trying to make their own marks. His friends eventually drifted away from graffiti, but Marshall was hooked. Graffiti had become a way for him to be alone in his thoughts and process emotion. Marshall spent his high school years working to improve his skills and build his identity as a graffiti artist.