AUSTIN, Texas — When creating a mural for the now-closed restaurant Masa y Más, Austin muralist Niz wanted the art to reflect the community.
"At that point, I was like, 'There's not one mural of a grandma or a Mexican family values and culture that I can think of.' And so, that was the initial inspiration," Niz said. "Eventually, it sort of morphed into the chef wanting it to be his mom because a lot of the food at Masa y Más was inspired by his mom's cooking and by Mexican street food."
It is inspiration that turned into months of work, with the mural in place for a year and a half. It was well-received in the neighborhood.
"I think it sort of, you know, connected people to that part of Latin culture, which is endearing and it's heartfelt – you know, unique," Niz said.
It struck a chord with residents like Molly Lindner.
"I just got really, you know, connected to and attached to the art that was there. And all of a sudden it just wasn't there," Lindner said.
Tacodeli is taking over the space, with fellow artist and Niz's friend, Mike Johnston, painting a new mural. He is using the design to pay respect to another artist, named Crash, who died. Tacodeli used her artwork on its tables and branding.
"It's unfortunate that Niz's piece only lived for a year and a half. So, yes, it wasn't sitting right with me. So I did reach out to her and just said, you know, 'If you didn't know already, this mural is going to be swapped out,'" Johnston said.
It is a gesture that is appreciated by Niz and a picture of change for a community that is wrestling with it.
Tacodeli provided the following statement about the mural, from its Chef and Founder Roberto Espinosa:
"As longtime Austinites and local business owners, we support artistic works and our creative community. We have always deeply valued the contributions of musicians, artists and creatives. The new mural artwork by the late Cindy 'Crash' Raschke represents a continuation of this spirit."