Source: Google Maps
If you were traveling west along I-440 through Nashville, approaching the West End exit, you might notice this colorful mural on the side of a gas station and mini-mart. In fact the exit ramp that will take you east on West End runs right by it. It’s difficult to get a picture from a moving car, which is why I turned to Google for this particular view. You might stop here if you were on your way to the Parthenon, or anywhere in the midtown area, although you wouldn’t see the mural from the front of the building.
And now it’s difficult to see anyway. The gas station has closed, after competing for years with another one on the same block, that’s a little farther down and not quite as colorful. Large honeysuckle bushes have grown up in front of it, obscuring the view from the road.
The plans for the spot are immaterial. What matters is it’s a piece of public art that, for a few years, tried to attract customers and provided a bright spot for people just passing by. Places like this will appear, be noticed, and then be forgotten once they’re gone, like the travelers who pass by.
Beautiful. Everything is transient, isn’t it? Kind of brings substance to the Buddhist thought that nothing is everything and everything is nothing.
Everything really is transient and I give a lot of thought to the Buddhist ideas when collecting graffiti or just public art like this that has such a limited life. The Classical ideal of the Greeks was that art would last forever, but the Buddhists have a much better grasp that everything fades.
I know this piece well. Before you even named the location. I passed it a few days ago.
It’s really very prominent which is why I’m sad that it’s soon going to be gone.
I’m glad to pass by your always unforgettable blog, Chris.
And I’m glad when you pass by, Ann, and always wave.