The art jackpot from a secluded alley; Adam Turman's 4 Bells Mural

By IASP. 

"Attention sacred ancient knowledge ahead," as one hears from a motionless whisper, though, written above the entrance of an unheard alley. This is Minneapolis, Minnesota. Just a few aimless steps later across streets I've never swept before, the kraken appears in front of me. That's how I just found the outstanding work of the muralist Adam Turman. 

Adam Turman is many things but a born and local-based Minnesotan artist overall. His work is clean and eye catching like the bold graphic style of the 80s art and comics that, he claims, are his inspiration. Bright colorful themes overall. Most of them found in the first projects that Adam undertook for local musicians as probono work. I mean, dude, this guy has been everywhere in the Twin Cities. The kraken or 4 Bells mural is one of these pieces.

The 4 Bells mural is intriguing. Adam Turner's work often reflects the urban Midwestern mythology, portraying themes and landmarks of the Twin Cities culture. Yet, this mural only shows a viking ship as part of the background of a fight between Poseidon and the Kraken. Are we missing something? Ancient knowledge ahead, I guess. 

The lack of Midwestern motives in the mural may not have an explanation. Furthermore, another main reason seems latent. He is just having a blast. It's like a child playing with crayons. I had the chance of watching some of Adam Turman's interviews about his work. It's like listening your nephew's recount of his favorite moment at art class. This dude clearly loves what he does and his work reflects that sentiment. I would say that it's even contagious. When I see the 4 Bells mural, I can imagine Adam telling his crew that painting a giant octopus fighting Poseydon would be dope. That's probably the main reason to carry on this project. 

In fact, the 4 Bells mural is Adam's favorite work in his own words: 

"I love doing murals like those. those are the type of projects that are really reflecting of me and my taste and what I like to draw and paint. Something similar to those is one of my favorite murals of all time that I've done and that is the 4 Bells. It's the sister restaurant of the Butcher and the Boar. That's at Loring Park. It's kinda tough to find it because it's back into this cool little alley, but that's an octopus. It was so much fun." 

Adam Turman's interview for Murals Your Way. 

It was so much fun. I can relate to that.

I'm grateful with artist who make art a part of our daily lives. Adam Turman may not make the most complex and beautifuls murals in the Twin Cities. Those also may not carry the social justice message of the original muralist movement from Diego Rivera, but everyone is having a good time, especially he. It's like in Queen's Don't Stop Me Now song: "Don't stop me now. I'm having such a good time, I'm having a ball. If you wanna have a good time, just give me a call. Don't stop me now. Cause I'm having a good time. Yes, I'm having a good time. I don't wanna stop at all."

I did learn some ancient piece of wisdom today. Art is dope. We should never forget that. Thank you, Adam, for this lesson of ancient knowledge.

You can find more about Adam Tuman's work at his website www.adamturman.com.