‘Under the Bridge’ | Acclaimed Kaepernick Seven mural artist leaves his mark on East Point
New mural at the Norman Berry underpass features the latest in a series from social-activist artist, Fabian "Occasional Superstar" Williams.
“I want my kids to live in a harmonious society, and I don't think it's crazy for me to want that.” - Fabian "Occasional Superstar" Williams
EAST POINT, Ga. — Nearly a month ago, local residents here in Tri-Cities noticed something peculiar on their northbound commute on the popular thoroughfare, Norman Berry Drive just down from the Dairy Queen.
A massive 60-foot mural featuring a young Black girl arms outstretched as if flying to a destination unknown.
This stunning piece of art is the handiwork of none other than the Occasional Superstar himself, Fabian Williams.
“Watching what’s happening in our country, and around the world and realizing that our current way of doing things is not working,” Williams tells Vox Pop ATL.
“We don't like the current situation we live in, but we don’t have any other examples of how it’s supposed to be,” declares the native North Carolinian.
In fact, Williams was the artist behind the renowned mural of Colin Kaepernick that used to decorate an abandoned building on the corner of Fair Street and Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard, not far from the Mercedes Benz arena.
That mural featured the aforementioned Kaepernick wearing an Atlanta Falcons jersey. Ironically that very same mural was destroyed under very suspicious circumstances on the eve of Super Bowl LIII here in Atlanta.
The destruction of the mural galvanized the local artist community leading to the ad-hoc coalition that quickly became dubbed the "Kaepernick Seven”.
Within a few short days, Williams along with the Kaepernick Seven created their respective artistic renditions of the former NFL quarterback at multiple locations around the metro area.
Their work not only made national headlines but also highlighted the vast array of socially-conscious artists working here in the city.
When asked what inspired his latest mural series here in East Point, Williams had this to say, “I’ve seen enough slave movies. I want some future sh*t.”
For residents seeking other examples, the Occasional Superstar’s work can see the first entry in the series at the Black Art In America (BAIA) gallery located at the corner of Connally Dr and Semmes Drive.
For more information about the artist visit his website here and for more info on Black Art In America, click here.
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