My mural “The Medicine Peddler” was funded by a generous micro-grant from Downtown OKC and ULI Oklahoma. The aim of these grants was to uplift businesses and individuals in the Downtown OKC area who had suffered due to COVID-19.

My work is inspired by ancient Japanese culture juxtaposed with modern graphic motifs and colors. My current body of work is inspired by kabuki—a 400-year old performing art form listed by UNESCO as one of the “intangible cultural heritages” of Japan. I was honored to be able to paint a kabuki-themed mural on Yuzo Sushi Tapas, one of the very few restaurants in the City owned by a Japanese chef.

The kabuki play depicted in my mural is called “The Medicine Peddler.” In the story, an undercover samurai is disguised as a seller of “uiro,” a mysterious silver pill which is said to cure anything. I had a few fantastic volunteers help me with this project, and while we were painting, we were able to discuss Japan, public art, and the business of painting murals. It was also great to hear all the cheers of passersby and see them excitedly taking pictures to share on social media.

Just like the mysterious uiro pills, I feel that art is a sort of cure-all which can reframe our minds and energize our spirits like nothing else can. I hope this mural is an inspiration to the restaurant, Automobile Alley, and Oklahoma City as a whole to step away from all the stress and drama of the year, and seek beauty and new worlds of wonder beyond.

“The Medicine Peddler -Uirō Uri-“

by JUURI

14 x 50” (approx)

Exterior Latex, 2020

For more information about the Micro Grant projects, follow along at #micrOKC on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram