Mural Art as Creative Expression
Making mural art is all about expressing creativity and imagination to bring individuality to a space. The way color and design are used can radically change the appearance of a building, add real significance to a plain wall, and even create the illusion of three-dimensional depth.
A Family Steeped in Art
Not everyone has the skill and creative range to make a mural that doesn't just stand out but genuinely speaks. Atlanta muralist Corey Barksdale is one such professional, having completed a wide range of mural painting commissions in Atlanta as well as Dublin. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Barksdale carries on artistic roots that run deep in his family — both his mother and grandmother were talented artists, and his grandmother, a quilt artist, was the one who first inspired him toward mural work. Early in his career, Barksdale drew on mainstream influences like Jasper Johns, Clyfford Still, and Willem de Kooning, while his love of African American murals grew from studying masters of the field like Aaron Douglas, John Biggers, Romare Bearden, and William Tolliver. Barksdale earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Atlanta College of Art.
A Body of Recognized Work
Over the years, Barksdale has carried out a wide variety of art commissions across Atlanta, building recognition for his unique approach to mural painting. Among his best-known works is Urban Reflection, and he was selected as the muralist for the Dr. King Monument Project. What sets his murals apart is the creative uniqueness each one carries, drawn directly from his African American roots — a signature that runs through everything from commissioned mural work to pieces depicting his own heritage.
Giving Back Through Art
Barksdale has taken part in a variety of charity events across Atlanta, using his distinctive art style to help raise money for local causes, and he remains an active participant in beautifying the city more broadly. The art Corey Barksdale makes is ultimately a representation of who he is, what shaped him, and how he sees himself — adding a layer of personal emotion and expression that makes his work difficult to overlook.
Bringing That Same Expression to Your Project
That same personal, deeply rooted creative approach carries into every new commission Barksdale takes on, whether it's a public mural, a private painting, or a community-focused piece.
What Makes a Mural Feel Personal
A mural that genuinely expresses creativity does more than fill empty wall space — it reflects a real point of view, whether that's a client's story, a neighborhood's identity, or the artist's own heritage and history. That's the difference between a decorative pattern and a piece people stop to look at: the specificity of a real idea behind the brushwork, not just color chosen to match a room.
Reach out to discuss what that kind of personal expression could look like on your wall.