Be Someone (graffiti)
Be Someone is a reoccurring piece of graffiti above Interstate 45 in Houston, Texas. It has become a well known landmark in Houston due to its prominent location to commuters.[1]
History
The piece was first created in 2012. It is situated on a Union Pacific bridge which crosses above Interstate 45 as it enters the city of Houston.[2] It has been vandalized and repainted several times.[3][4] In 2018, it was changed to "Be Mattress Mac."[5] In 2019, it was altered to say "Be Sus."[6] During the COVID-19 pandemic, the words "Wash your hands" were painted over the slogan.[7][8][9]
Cultural impact
The slogan had become common on local merchandise. Rapper Paul Wall has a tattoo in reference to the work. There have been multiple attempts to make the graffiti a protected landmark.[10]
References
- ^ Davila, Julia (August 20, 2018). "How Did Someone Light Up the 'Be Someone' Graffiti?". Houstonia. Houston, Texas. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
- ^ Jordan, Jay R. (November 20, 2019). "'Be Someone' gone, again: Cryptic message now graces bridge north of downtown Houston". Houston Chronicle.
- ^ "Houston's Iconic 'Be Someone' Graffiti Gets a New Look and Fresh Coat of Paint". June 29, 2018.
- ^ "Meet the college students behind the new 'Be Someone' graffiti". khou.com.
- ^ Hlavaty, Craig (May 17, 2018). "'Be Someone' graffiti altered to recognize Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale". Midland Reporter-Telegram.
- ^ "Houston's trademark 'Be Someone' graffiti sign vandalized, becomes 'Be Sus'". ABC7 Chicago. November 21, 2019.
- ^ Medley, Alison (March 1, 2020). "Iconic 'Be Someone' graffiti replaced with 'Wash Ur Hands' on bridge over I-45". HoustonChronicle.com.
- ^ "Iconic Houston 'Be Someone' graffiti changed to 'Wash Ur Hands'". news.yahoo.com.
- ^ "Iconic Houston 'Be Someone' graffiti changed to 'Wash Ur Hands'". www.msn.com.
- ^ Hlavaty, Craig (January 3, 2018). "'Be Someone' as an official Houston landmark? For now it will need to remain a folk icon..." Houston Chronicle.
