Street Artist Alessandro Etsom
Completes Striking Murals
It seems that outdoor public art is making appearances all over Tampa Bay. In Water Street Tampa, CASS Contemporary commissioned Italian artist, Alessandro Etsom, recently completed his first project in the United States — three large scale murals of an egret, parrot and whale. The murals were created on the loading dock doors and parking garage entrance to Asher building in the Water Street neighborhood.
“Before I start painting, I like to spend time researching the local environment,” said Alessandro Etsom. “I use native plants to create an image that can be viewed in several ways, adding intrigue and interest to the art. I want the residents of the neighborhood to stop and enjoy my work in what might otherwise be a mundane, routine day.”
Once on-site, the project took Etsom 10 days to complete. Etsom’s newest work features red and brown leaves that together create a Reddish Egret, a species of heron that can be found along the coast of Florida. His mural serves as a natural connection between nature and public art, combining two core values of Water Street Tampa.
“Alessandro Etsom’s striking murals connect us to nature in unexpected places,” said Jessica Barnes, Vice President at Strategic Property Partners. “An ordinary moment like parking your car can become extraordinary when you stumble across a piece of art that moves you.”
CASS Contemporary has brought several art installations to the Water Street Tampa neighborhood. Most recently, they commissioned Dutch artist Leon Keer to create an augmented reality mural spanning 100 feet on the East Cumberland Avenue parking garage. “The new work from Alessandro Etsom is another testament to the dedication to public art for us here at CASS and our partners at Water Street Tampa,” said Cassie Greatens, Co-Founder of CASS Contemporary. “Alessandro celebrates local wildlife and brings life to public spaces. We look forward to seeing this space transform with his artwork.”
—Photography by Greg Byron
