Artist Profile: Desmond Hansen

Like so many around the country, Seattle artists have been hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis. As we all navigate these trying times, MoPOP’s mission of making creative expression a life-changing force by offering experiences that inspire and connect our communities is more important than ever. Meet Desmond Hansen. If you’re local to Seattle, you may recognize some of his work around the city. And if you’re not local, there’s a good chance you’ll recognize his subjects.

Desmond Hansen is a versatile artist with a pulse on many mediums. Ranging from large outdoor murals depicting lifelike portraits of iconic figures, to canvas panels painted delicately with oil paint, his life in art is deeply rooted with Seattle’s musical history in many ways. In fact, most of his recent works can be found publicly throughout the city. He began painting art murals for traffic signal boxes in 2018 and has since painted upwards of 40 locations. If you find yourself in the Seattle area, be sure to check them out on your socially distanced walks!

If you’d like to help out Desmond, you can make a donation to his GoFundMe Campaign to help this art movement flourish.

• Connect with Desmond on Instagram and Facebook, or check out his website!

Jimi Hendrix at the corner of Fauntleroy and California Ave. in West Seattle

Prince painted on the west side of Admiral Hill as you're headed to Alki Beach

Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the corner of Walker and California Ave. in West Seattle

Macklemore at 35th and Avalon in West Seattle

Russell Wilson on 4th Ave. outside CenturyLink Field

Elijah McClain at Fauntleroy and 38th in West Seattle

Ray Charles at the intersection of 35th and Thistle in West Seattle

Dave Matthews at 35th and Edmonds in West Seattle

Do you know a local Seattle artist who may be interested in being featured on our blog? Email info@mopop.org or send us a direct message on social media to be considered!

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