{"id":115539,"date":"2025-08-28T05:43:08","date_gmt":"2025-08-28T05:43:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/115539\/"},"modified":"2025-08-28T05:43:08","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T05:43:08","slug":"from-iconic-street-art-to-contested-graffiti","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/115539\/","title":{"rendered":"From iconic street art to contested graffiti"},"content":{"rendered":"

HOUSTON \u2013 For lifelong Houston residents like myself, the city\u2019s most famous mural feels like it\u2019s been part of the city forever. However, the words \u201cBe Someone<\/a>\u201d didn\u2019t appear over I-45 until 2012. <\/p>\n

In just 13 years, though, the big blue letters have become one of Houston\u2019s most recognizable (and most tampered with) landmarks.<\/p>\n

RELATED: \u2019Be Someone\u2019: Some of the many times that the iconic sign has been altered<\/a> <\/p>\n

I remember when, at one point, the \u201cBe Someone\u201d letters were all in red letters, which threw me off, because I had recently moved back to Houston from San Antonio. I was just happy to know it was back after it was changed due to certain historical moments. <\/p>\n

MORE: Police investigate group that repainted Houston\u2019s \u2018Be Someone\u2019 bridge over I-45<\/a><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a look back at how Houston\u2019s most famous mural has changed over the years:<\/p>\n

2012: The beginning<\/p>\n

An anonymous artist<\/a> painted \u201cBe Someone\u201d across the Union Pacific bridge in September 2012. It quickly caught on as a citywide mantra.<\/p>\n

2015: First challenges<\/p>\n

By 2015, defacings and repaintings became common; each time the phrase returned, often within days.<\/p>\n

2016\u20132017: Super Bowl spotlight<\/p>\n

In January 2017, the words were replaced with \u201cFootball\u201d as Houston hosted Super Bowl LI. By year\u2019s end, it morphed into \u201cBe One.\u201d<\/p>\n

2018\u20132019: Mattress Mac and memes<\/p>\n

In May 2018, the mural honored local philanthropist Jim \u201cMattress Mac\u201d McIngvale with \u201cBE MATTRESS MAC<\/a>.\u201d Later came versions like \u201cBe Sus,\u201d a nod to internet slang. There was also one time when it was partially painted over<\/a> in black. <\/p>\n

Despite the changes, Houstonians kept restoring the original message.<\/p>\n

2020: Pandemic and protests<\/p>\n

As COVID-19 spread, the mural read \u201cWash Ur Hands.\u201d<\/a> Later that summer, it became \u201cGeorge Floyd\u201d in tribute<\/a>, then \u201cVote or Die<\/a>\u201d leading up to the election.<\/p>\n

2021\u20132022: Return and reinvention<\/p>\n

By 2021, \u201cBe Someone\u201d was restored yet again. In 2022, it was reworked into \u201cNo War Know Peace,\u201d <\/a>reflecting global tensions in Ukraine.<\/p>\n

2023: Legal battles<\/p>\n

Artist Chandrika Metivier<\/a> faced charges after altering the mural with slogans like \u201cWoman, Life, Freedom.\u201d <\/p>\n

MORE: Charges filed against woman accused of repeatedly defacing Houston\u2019s \u2018Be Someone\u2019 sign after outing herself on social media<\/a><\/p>\n

Metivier not only admitted to her involvement but also said it was not her first time painting over the sign, revealing she was behind the paintings back in Aug. 2021,<\/a> and again in June 2022.<\/a><\/p>\n

Those charges were later dismissed, sparking debates about free expression and ownership.<\/p>\n

2025: Crypto clash and community comeback<\/p>\n

This spring, the mural was covered with \u201cMog Coin,\u201d a cryptocurrency promotion. <\/p>\n

In June, three Houston teens spent two nights repainting the original blue-on-black design \u2014 only for Union Pacific and Houston police to launch an investigation, saying the work caused nearly $10,000 in damage.<\/p>\n

Why it matters<\/p>\n

Through every change, the mural\u2019s original message keeps coming back. And with a criminal investigation underway, its moral integrity is back in the spotlight. <\/p>\n

For many Houstonians, \u201cBe Someone\u201d is more than paint on a bridge; it\u2019s a reminder of resilience, identity, and possibility. If history is any guide, Houstonians will continue to reclaim it \u2014 but the question remains: what will the bridge say tomorrow?<\/p>\n

Start Here, Houston<\/p>\n

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