By: Kalyn Jackson
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A local artist with a passion for art and activism, Octavio Logo has filled the walls of Fayetteville with the messages in his murals.
Logo said his love for public art comes from his background. He said when he moved to Fayetteville from his native country of Mexico the lack of art led him to create.
“I’m Mexican, muralism and public art is my heritage,” said Logo, “When I came here I was like where are the murals? Where is the art?”
Logo said the messages within his work are a combination of things.
“It’s my own need to say something, but at the same time I am trying to channel others’ messages,” said Logo.
Logo explained he wants his work to serve a shrine that says “this place is important because.”
“I try to read the ecosystem and try to put my own voice and use my own tools to create a message,” said Logo.
He said the reaction to his work has been positive for the most part.
“I suppose there are people not saying what they really think,” said Logo, “I’m trying to be careful about what I’m saying. I want to be respectful and I want to give a voice to the voiceless.”
Logo is also one of seven artists who worked to complete the “No Justice, No Peace” mural that is located at the Southwest corner of College Avenue and Dickson Street.
The “No Justice, No Peace” mirrors that of recent protests that have taken place around America fighting against police brutality and systemic racism. The mural was painted on the heels of the murdering of Geroge Floyd, Breonna Taylor and many other Black Americans who have been killed at the hands of police in recent years.
Logo’s murals can be found all over the Northwest Arkansas area.