Austin, Texas – Castle Hill Graffiti AKA Foundation Graffiti
In the shadow of some of the tallest buildings in downtown Austin is a hidden spot that has become a graffiti Mecca to aspiring “writers.” This abandoned lot in the Castle Hill neighborhood has received attention from some of the most famous Street artists: Shepard Fairey, the well known street artist who designed Barack Obama’s HOPE poster pasted up some very large pieces on the back wall at this location, which is known as the “Foundation”.
This spot hasn’t always been so popular – 3 years ago I did a portrait photo shoot here and there were many more weeds and vines on the wall than graffiti pieces. Today the tables have turned – virtually every usable stretch of wall has been used. Why has this place become so popular in the last few years? I have a feeling it has to do with the mass influx of creative people from areas of the country where Street Art is more popular like New York and Los Angeles.
This is a great off the beaten path place for photographer to visit – enter at your own risk though – the grounds are not maintained and no trespassing signs are posted!
UPDATE (07/17/2012) – the Foundation Graffiti site now has an official name: The Hope Outdoor Gallery Project. The origins of the name of “the Foundation” are when a condo was supposed to be developed there, but then it failed inspection (I believe the ground was not stable enough to support the building they wanted to put on top of it, so the project could not be completed. I found an Austin Chronicle article that explains how Dick Clark (a popular developer in Austin) owns the land.
Red and Yellow Jester, Dog, and Turtle Graffiti – Artist Unknown
Large Obey Paste Ups by Sheppard Fairey of Obama HOPE and Exit Through the Gift Shop fame
2 Walls at the Foundation – “The Grass is Greener” and a Grasshopper mural – artists unknown
Japanese Anime style graffiti behind advancing weed growth – artist unknown
Flying Man Kite Graffiti – Artist Unknown
Walls are almost completely covered at the Foundation – Black and White Sheppard Fairey Obey paste on the back wall
Brittney Spears Streetart by the local Austin Graffiti Artist Niz
Jodie Foster piece by Austin Graffiti Artist Niz
2 more works Austin Graffiti Artist Niz (images of females in the foreground)
The foundation hosts many different styles of street art – Artists Unknown
Window frame from some long abandoned building
Chupacabra StreetArt ? – artist uknown
Monsters – Artist Unknown
This guy looks like he’s being punched in the face by a Wildstyle piece by various artists including well known local Graffiti Artist Sloke One.
Japanese Mountain Graffiti in Austin, Texas – Artist Unknown
The grass is greener Graffiti staring out at what else? green grass
Poker Graffiti – also Sheppard Fairey paste ups on the back wall
What the Foundation walls looked like in October, 2008 – no graffiti on the walls, just vines and a few small patches that had been painted over.
fotografii -
flying man is funny:D
Nimai -
What are the cross streets for that graffiti area? Do you know if it’s still there?
Thanks!
Peter -
I haven’t been in a few months, but it’s 1 block off the west side of Lamar around 12th street. It’s on a back alley at the bottom of Castle Hill.
Peg Callihan -
Peter, I love this page. How do I get to this grafitti
Peg Callihan -
I am traveling around the country in a 29′ motorhome and will be in Austin a few more weeks.
Peg Callihan -
Now I see you already answered the question. Forgive the over enthusiasm. ;j
Jamie -
My kids and I discovered this wall recently. It’s so inspiring! I love the fact that Austin has so many great street and graffiti artists! I plan on taking my kids by once a month to let them see the changes that are made. Thank you for expressing yourselves in such a fun, unique way.
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fred -
would like to write an article for The Challenger Street News about The Casle & such. need more information-exactly why it was aborted- how long anyone lived there- just more than I’ve been able to find out so far on Google, thanks
Elizabeth Wiewall -
I love graffiti art and I really appreciate your photos and telling us who the artists are… great work Peter!
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Jason Callender -
I lived at 1000 Baylor when these were first painted. This is one of the most sacred places I’ve visited in the World.