Murals-Introduction

What is a Mural?

Derived from the Latin word murus, for "wall", a mural is an image painted directly onto the surface of a wall, or a large painting attached to the surface of a wall. From the cave paintings of Lascaux and Altamira to the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, mural painting has resulted in some of the most enduring and significant pieces in the history of Western Art.

York Wilson's career as a muralist followed close on the heels of a dramatic resurgence in mural painting in Mexico, where the Wilsons lived for several years in the 1950's. 

Murals and Architecture

Historically, many artists have used mural painting as an opportunity to create the illusion of space through trompe-l'oeil, fooling of the naked eye. Four overlapping styles have developed from the interest in imitating or extending interior space. The first style excludes figures and subject matter in favour of a textural or linear imitation of architectural forms. The second style attempts to disintegrate the wall with illusionistic techniques. The third, known as the Ornate style, depicts smaller, framed paintings arranged as if in galleries, and the fourth style is a combination of all three.

Contemporary practice relies less on trompe-l'oeil, tending instead to integrate works with their architectural surroundings through the use of formal elements and design. 

Chronology of York Wilson's Murals

Selected Murals of York Wilson

¤ The Seven Lively Arts
¤ The Story of Oil
¤ Communication