Isabelle Ewing, a street and studio artist from Brooklyn, New York, shares her favorite murals around Bushwick. This selection features work from herself and her colleagues in a vibrant area of Brooklyn.
LessIn July 2015, Owen Dippie created the "Radiant Madonna," an homage to Keith Haring, featuring his famous "Radiant Baby" mashed up with Raphael's "Madonna." Legend has it that Keith would have been heavily impressed by Owen's work, mainly because of his membership in the Born-Again Christian Movement.
"The Psychic Power of Animals" is an ongoing project by internationally renowned street artist Faith47. Bringing nature’s energy back to the city, it transforms the streets of New York with surreal art inspired by wildlife. Graceful swans are transforming the harsh city landscape into something mystical. Faith47 explains, “There’s an inherent irony in recreating nature on cement, so the series is a nostalgic reminder of what we’ve lost but also an attempt to reintegrate that into the present.”
Before you enter Kings County Brewers Collective, look up to your right. Thanks to The Bushwick Collective, British artist Phlegm created a large-scale mural featuring his signature characters climbing on a giraffe. This work shows a giant giraffe providing shelter for birds escaping poachers. The existing tags on the building are cleverly woven into the artwork, making the mural stand out even more.
Ewing’s artwork frequently explores themes of empowerment, identity, and social commentary. The women she portrays are often central to her pieces—sometimes depicted as powerful, sometimes vulnerable—but always with a sense of autonomy. “Just like the title says, keep doing you. There is no one else who is going to do it like you do,” Ewing says on her Insta. "No One Is as Rare as You" was created in conjunction with her T-shirt design for the Brooklyn Beer Garden, Summer 2021.
The Brooklyn Beer Garden offers a vibrant outdoor space with local craft beers, tasty food, and live events. Opening times depend on the weather, so check ahead. From the roof terrace, you might spot more street murals. Enjoy unique brews, hearty snacks, and Brooklyn’s artsy spirit. With rotating pop-up kitchens and seasonal events, it’s a perfect spot to soak in the neighborhood’s creative energy and unwind.