On the first day of 2025, the weather was iffy. Wind and potential rain were in the forecast. I saw an opening around early-to-mid afternoon and we took a chance to go out and see the new mural, West End Funk.
Funk, It Was
The new mural was announced a while ago, but we did not have a good day to visit. As we approached the building on 1368 Westminster Street in Providence, it was hard to miss the colorful front, but more was on the side. On a holiday the streets were not crowded, and parking was easy.
Collaborative Funk Art
The primary artist, Swerve, collaborated with Greg Was Here and Back. Collectively, they brought back the memories of the earlier times and one of the funk houses, Big Nazo. I remember when I took Evren, who was visiting us for a few days, to see the Big Nazo quarters when they were in downtown Providence. Here are a few photographs from that visit. You can recognize some characters from that encounter on the current mural.
Click on the images to see them larger, uncropped, and read their titles.
And, Jan also remembered photographing the Big Nazo Intergalactic Creature Band during Providence Fest some years ago. Below are some characters you will connect with the mural and a group picture.
As we started to photograph the front of the building, a couple walked by with their dogs. We could not resist saying hello to the puppy and its owners, a pleasant and obedient dog. After Jan took a picture of the dog with its owner, we continued to the side of the building which was quite expansive.
A Tribute to Music and Musicians
According to the write-up on The Avenue Concept website, the entire work celebrates funk and rhythm.
“This production pays homage to Funk and Rhythm. It also gives a wink to tradition that was created in our region. The radio in particular is derived from a painting on the Pawtucket S-curves circa 1985. A few of these characters come from the BIG NAZO fam. These characters are all original thoughts that move me and hopefully will be a creative force to others.”
– Swerve
The long stretch of musical characters reflects the local music and musicians, including Big Nazo. The building’s shape also quite fits Big Nazo, with shape-shifting toward the front and back as the roofline rises. The character behind the second-floor window was difficult to see, so I skipped it. Jan took a picture of the window, and I was able to edit and bring the character back. I’m sure it was one of the Big Nazo characters.
As we finished photographing the long side of the building, it was getting darker and darker. Before we left, I asked Jan if she wanted to try a hand-held series for a panoramic stitch. I quickly showed her what to do: one, two, three, … I stitched it using PTGui and fine-tuned it in Photoshop, and the result is below.
We quickly got in the car as it was beginning to sprinkle slightly. As I pulled out, Jan wanted to take a picture of the diner from the car window. A brief stop in the middle of the road also gave her enough time to photograph that building.
Here are the photographs from that visit to Big Nazo to see the murals painted by Swerve, Greg Was Here, and Back. Kudos to all!
Jan’s collection
Cemal’s Collection
Other Articles In This Series
Happy Holidays 2024
jackie
This brought back such fond memories of Big Nazo. The first time I saw them was on First Night in the mid-1980s. They led a parade every New Year’s Eve through the streets of downtown Providence. It was early in the day, maybe 4 or 5 pm, At the end of the parade was a giant pig pushing a gigantic wheelbarrow. The pig told everyone “Write your problems and worries on a slip of paper and throw it into the wheelbarrow. At the stroke of midnight, I will burn up all of your problems.
It’s become a tradition. From that year on, we have burned up our problems at the stroke of midnight. Thank you for bringing up the memories…
A. Cemal Ekin
Jackie, your words will be music to the ears of the creators of this public art and the Big Nazo crew. It was very enjoyable indeed. I am glad we were able to trigger good old memories.
Cemal
Tom Backman
Very inspiring and important historical marker
A. Cemal Ekin
It is indeed, Tom. It is a fun public art with many good memories.
Cemal
Haluk Atamal
Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos, Cemal. Not my cup of tea but still they are very nice.
Take care and best regards,
Haluk
A. Cemal Ekin
I understand, Haluk, especially this kind of work with deep local references can make it hard to relate to. Take care,
Cemal
James Turner
As always Cemal & Jan…very informative dialog and even better images captured. Was wondering what Radio you are referring to?
A. Cemal Ekin
The radio reference was in a quote and I believe it may refer to the device at the far back end. It was an enjoyable visit.
Cemal
Paul White
The Big Nazo was a great character. I remember the band playing during one of my trips to Waterfire. Great memories. The mural is awesome and I was happy to see your images. Glad to see that you and Jan are still active.
A. Cemal Ekin
Trying to keep active, Paul. We go to places where we can park and take pictures with little walking. This was ideal for that. I’m glad to hear that we have triggered some memories for you.
Cemal