Meet Andaluz The Artist: The visionary behind Fayetteville's J.Cole mural
With the excitement building for this weekend's Dreamville Festival, a recent Fayetteville mural by Andaluz The Artist, has gone viral. The timing couldn't be better for the colorful artwork, which celebrates the festival's founder, rapper J. Cole.
With a passion for painting that dates back to his childhood, Andaluz a New York native, whose full name is Efren Andaluz, has made waves in the world of street art, leaving vibrant murals in his wake. But how did this journey begin, and what drives his artistic spirit?
Andaluz's artistic inclination was evident from a young age. Even as a child, he had a talent for sketching and crafting his comic books. Surpassing his peers in skill, he found solace in the world of art, constantly honing his craft. From airbrushing T-shirts to mastering the spray can, Andaluz's journey as an artist was continuous growth and exploration.
The transition to mural painting was a natural progression for Andaluz. His first large-scale work honored a beloved actor whose sudden death sent shockwaves through America.
"My first actual original mural with the spray can100%, was a Robert Williams mural in 2013," Andaluz said. "This was a little bit after he passed away."
This would jump-start his artwork journey, capturing passersby's attention and leaving a lasting impression.
The J. Cole mural in Fayetteville
Amassing thousands of shares and likes online, Andaluz's latest mural in Fayetteville for the upcoming Dreamville Festival pays homage to rapper J. Cole, who used to live there. This project held a special significance for Andalus, who is known for his murals of hip-hop icons. He felt a strong desire to shift his focus from tributes to deceased artists to celebrating living legends like J. Cole.
"About two years ago, I got tired of painting people just because they died. I wanted to get people their flowers while they were still alive," Andaluz said.
The J. Cole mural was a personal project for Andaluz. Finding a suitable wall proved challenging, but with his wife's help, he secured a location at Back Around Records, 1 Market Square in Fayetteville.
"The owner was great; he loved the idea," Andaluz said. "Pretty much he sponsored the wall and let us use it, which is actually the perfect place for in Fayetteville."
J. Cole, a Fayetteville native, and his Dreamville crew throw Dreamville Festival as a yearly homage to the place that nurtured him into the artist he is today. Launched in 2018, the festival has exploded into a North Carolina giant and a global force in artist-led music events. Fans flock from all 50 states and across the world to experience this unique musical celebration.
This two-day hip-hop and R&B party in Raleigh, benefits both the Dreamville Foundation and Dix Park Conservancy. Held at Dorothea Dix Park, the festival features J. Cole himself alongside SZA, Big Sean, Young Thug, Nelly, and a whole lot more.
The mural, located behind the music store, took five days to complete, preceded by two days of planning and sketching.
"One thing about Fayetteville, though, is that I truly appreciate the love and support they give," Andaluz said. "When it comes to Fayetteville, I truly appreciate towns like this because, I think, for them, a mural like this means more to them because of the culture."
Andaluz's art transcends geographical boundaries. Dubbed the "Batman of Street Art," he travels wherever his art is needed, leaving his mark on cities across the globe. Andaluz's murals serve as beacons of creativity, inspiring onlookers to see the world through a different lens.
But beyond the accolades and recognition, Andaluz remains grounded in his purpose. A devout follower of Christ, he sees his art as a means of giving back to the community. Ultimately, he aspires to be remembered for his murals and the kind of person he was.
"I think I want them to remember me whatever way that they remember me. I'm an artist," Andaluz said. "When my career is all said and done, it's really up to the people and the fans and the people around to have their own input on what they think of me as an artist and the person."
Whether it's paying tribute to fallen icons or uplifting local neighborhoods, Andaluz's work is infused with a sense of purpose and meaning.
For those inspired by his murals, Andaluz offers advice saying, "If you never try something, you're never going to be good at it." Encouraging aspiring artists to pursue their passion relentlessly, he stresses the importance of practice and perseverance.
Andaluz hopes that his art will not only inspire creativity but also foster a sense of community and unity among those who encounter it. He says whether you are a child or an adult, continue to pursue your dreams if you want to become an artist.
"If you're inspired, create, because whatever you create is going to inspire somebody else and that's how everything works," Andaluz said.
He says the most exciting part about this is the fact that there's going to be kids that look at the wall and say, "Man, I wish I could do that."
"I don't just wish that you could do it, do it, you know, you're never going to be amazing in the beginning," Andaluz said. "Everything takes time and everything takes practice."
Follow Andaluz on social media at @Andaluztheartist on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. Find exclusive photos of Andaluz's work @_Iamdcphotography_ on Instagram.
