At 23rd and Mission, a muralist leaves his mark again and again

Ernesto Paul, a self-taught muralist, revitalizes That’s It Market at 23rd and Mission streets with a new mural, marking nearly three decades of artistic engagement with the location. His latest creation, featuring dancing beer bottles and musical notes, displays a vivid and improvisational style, diverging from his initial sketches. Paul emphasizes the role of murals in cultural geography, noting that they reflect community identity, as seen in various neighborhoods like Chinatown and the Haight. This iteration, painted in bright acrylics, is his fourth version since he first painted the wall in 1995. He describes his style as commercial with "Mission flavor," using vibrant colors to catch the eye of those passing by.

Paul’s work has gained local recognition, especially after a visit from Anthony Bourdain in 2009. He hand-lettered the signage above the shop and collaborates with his son on the logo design. Committed to his craft, Paul aims to continue painting for another 30 years, further enriching the Mission District's artistic landscape.