These fine art faces should look familiar to locals of a certain age, even if the originals departed the scene nearly two decades ago. They had been painted underneath the I-195 overpass at a time when that highway still spanned Wickenden Street (see below). Now, new and considerably more vivid versions have been painted on the side of Taste of India just up the street, and it’s fun to have them back. This is apparently due to the efforts of City Councilman John Goncalves who shared the details on social media.
Remember This? The iconic mural by Brent Bachelder is making a comeback! Our office has commissioned a recreation of this beloved artwork on Wickenden Street (across from Coffee Exchange), bringing back the nostalgia and honoring our history.History Never Forgotten: Artist Brent Bachelder, first created the now-famous murals in 1997, which I remember vividly. These vibrant pieces became a staple of our community until the 2010 roadway upgrade led to the removal of the overpass crossing Wickenden Street. The highway was moved south, with a new bridge erected just feet from the Hurricane Barrier. Sadly, the well-known murals on the retaining walls of the overpass were demolished to make way for the new I-195 land.We’re thrilled to restore this piece of our neighborhood’s history, ensuring that our community’s history lives on for future generations.
The work is signed “Bachelder ’24” but I can’t find a website for this artist.
New mural, Taste of India, 230 Wickenden Street, (directions)
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From January, 2009. This may be where Wickenden becomes Point Street.
June 2010. Many of those businesses are still with us. What Cheer moved from South Angell to Thayer Street for a few years; they now run the business online while also throwing those Rock ‘n’ Roll Yard Sales.
The futons did not make it.
July 2024. Definitely Wickenden Street.
These are awesome! Brings me back for sure!! Nice job councilman!!
I just saw them now on the RT. 92 Bus. Fantastic! Wickenden/(lower?)East side is the most Portlandia-vibing part of the city, it feels like to me. I dig it.
What a comeback! I still recall the painted-under-the-bridge TV with the words “Consume, Be Silent, Die” on the screen. A little darker in content, perhaps. These are great, and a welcome return.