Murals are a type of public art that are painted on a building’s walls, ceiling or outside surfaces. They are often painted by a commissioned artist. Typically, they are a form of social commentary that serves a wide range of purposes. They can be used to commemorate a historical event or person, to advertise a local business or to engage citizens in discussions.

Murals have a long history. They are considered to be an essential form of public art. They were primarily used to beautify buildings and public spaces, but they have also been a way to promote social and political dialogue. Nowadays, they are a popular medium for expressing opinions and engaging the community. They can be found in the smallest towns and largest urban centers, and they can be seen around the world.

Murals are created through a variety of traditional and modern techniques. Many of them are painted directly onto the walls of a building, but they can also be carved or projected. Some of the most famous examples are frescos, which are painted on wet lime plaster. The earliest known murals were found in the Chauvet caves in France. Other examples include the Minoan murals from 1700-1600 BC and the Pompeii murals from 100BC-AD79.

In the 15th century, the Renaissance was a time of great artistic achievement. This period is also characterized by a constant spirit of innovation. One of the renowned artists in this period is Fra Angelico. Another is Luca Signorelli, who painted the chapel of San Brizio in Orvieto. Other renaissance murals include the Hall of Constantine, the School of Athens and the Vatican Library.

The art of mural painting is very different from that of other forms of pictorial art. It is the only form of painting that is truly three-dimensional. It is also the only art form that is completely integrated into the architecture of a building. Therefore, it has a profound impact on a society. It is usually viewed with a positive attitude.

Murals are an important form of public art, but they can be a divisive and controversial topic. This is particularly true for political murals. For example, in Northern Ireland, there are murals that depict political divisions. They aren’t always beautiful or lovely, but they are thought-provoking and are an excellent means of social and cultural commentary. The Irish Hunger Strike, the Ballymurphy Massacre, and the Battle of the Boyne are all depicted in Belfast murals. The work of Jose Clemente Orozco is considered to be a great revival of this style of fresco murals. He worked from 1883-1949.

Although murals were originally created for public spaces, they are now used to sell ideas or to manipulate the public. In the mid-1950s, an Asian American painter named Bernice Bing became active. Today, street art is often created without the permission of the owner of the wall. The term “graffiti” is now associated with this art form. While graffiti is still a very common form of art, it is not usually considered a mural.