5280, September 27, 2021, Emanuel Martínez Brought Muralism to Denver. Now, Gentrification Threatens His Art
Emanuel Martínez, famous for popularizing mural art in Denver, now faces the risk of having some of his best work being destroyed. His work adorns the walls of various buildings in some of Denver’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods, which were primarily inhabited by people of color in years past.
Now, with the recent push towards gentrification, Martinez’s art is potentially at risk of being lost, as private developers are all to eager to tear down old buildings in hopes of building new properties that will house art galleries, cafes and eateries. This comes as no surprise in light of a 2020 study conducted by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition which concluded that Denver is the “second-most gentrified city in America”.
