PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A new mural in the Gayborhood section of Philadelphia is getting lots of attention, for a few reasons.
"Philly is the city of the arts. We need more of that, and that mural reflects that," said Francisco, a local artist reflecting on the new three-story, 1,300 square foot mural of pop artist Lil Nas X.
He has been seemingly everywhere lately, after his provocative performance on Saturday Night Live.
Now, Lil Nas X can be seen in Philadelphia's Gayborhood, in the form of this multicolor mural.
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"Lil Nas X reps the Gayborhood, because he was making such a mark just being himself and trying to live his best life," said Ram Krishnan, owner of Writer's Block Rehab.
Krishnan commissioned the mural of the LGBTQ icon, just in time for the start of Pride Month. The mural is located right in the heart of Gayborhood, at 13th and Cypress streets.
"Public Art is free art," said Krishnan.
"Everyone gets to enjoy it, and we also make it a conversation. Every time people see public art, it allows you to interact, connect and talk."
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Philadelphia artist Ash Ryan painted the mural on a building Krishnan owns, but he was one of many local artists who decided on this performer.
Krishnan said it came down to how Lil Nas X is making inroads into mainstream culture for LGBTQ people, and people of color.
"He's creating phenomenal music and he’s really changing the world," Krishnan said, "one person at a time."