Leon Rainbow is an exciting artist to watch. People have been watching him for years as he paints large works in public. His murals are all over the tri-state area. He is based in Trenton and recently lectured at Princeton University about art and the politics of public spaces. His work is uplifting. It is both personal and universal. He is a true believer that art can shape, uplift and encourage the people who view and enjoy it.
Please share how you got started in the arts as a young man.
When I was in first grade, I saw “Star Wars,” and it completely captivated my imagination. Around the same time, I became fascinated by graffiti — the rebellious spirit, the trains, the colors and the creativity all spoke to me. I started drawing graffiti-style designs on paper, and when I was 13 years old, I moved to San Jose, California, where I began tagging. There was a Bay Area phenomenon called “bus hopping,” and I became part of that movement, tagging inside city buses and immersing myself in graffiti culture.
Who were your early inspirations? Was it art combined with music and culture?
Absolutely. My early influences came from hip-hop culture as a whole — music, books, movies and magazines. The train writers and graffiti pioneers inspired me, as I saw them featured in publications and documentaries. Artists like Futura, Kase 2 and Phase 2 had a huge impact on me. Influential works included “Style Wars,” “Subway Art,” “Spraycan Art,” “Beat Street” and “Breakin’.” Those books and films opened my eyes to a global culture of creativity and self-expression.
How did graffiti art grow into large-scale mural work?
The transition happened gradually over time. I started with smaller graffiti pieces, canvases and community projects. As larger opportunities presented themselves, I took them on and learned through experience. Each project brought new challenges, ideas and solutions. Over the years, I have developed techniques and processes that I still use today. The skills I learned painting graffiti translated naturally into mural work, just on a much larger scale.
Are all the public projects collaborations? Must you submit ideas beforehand?
Not all of my projects are collaborations, but for larger murals, I often work with my longtime creative partner, Busta Art. Typically, once we have a contract and a deposit in place, we begin developing concepts and renderings if required. After the client approves the design, we schedule the project around both the client’s timeline and our availability. Every project is different, but collaboration and communication are key to a successful mural.
Please share the process of the idea, sketch, colors and execution.
The process varies from project to project, but generally it begins with an idea. We brainstorm concepts and build on each other’s ideas until we arrive at a strong direction. When I work with Busta, he often focuses on the figurative elements and portraits, while I handle lettering, backgrounds, architecture and my signature patterns.
Once the design is approved, we determine the color palette and develop the most efficient approach for execution. We gather materials such as paint, rollers, spray paint, lifts and other equipment. At the site, we prepare and prime the wall, then transfer the design using freehand techniques, grids or projection methods. Once the drawing is in place, we paint collaboratively, constantly responding to and building off each other’s work throughout the process.
What was a surprise you encountered during a mural project?
One of the biggest surprises is how much administrative work goes into a mural project. People often see the finished artwork but don’t realize the amount of planning, meetings, emails, community engagement, fundraising and logistics involved.
We’ve also experienced plenty of unexpected situations while painting. We’ve had equipment stolen, lifts fall through weakened surfaces, and projects affected by rain, sleet, snow and extreme heat. We’ve worked in every type of neighborhood imaginable and encountered all kinds of unexpected situations. Every mural comes with its own story.
What struggles do you face regarding your art?
Like many artists, one of the biggest challenges is balancing creative fulfillment with financial sustainability. It’s important to have your work seen and appreciated, but it’s equally important to be able to support yourself through your art.
Some of the frustrations include lowball offers, requests for free work and clients who don’t fully understand the value of what artists provide. There are also physical challenges. Large-scale murals require long hours, climbing, lifting and repetitive movements. As artists get older, exhaustion, muscle strain and physical wear become real considerations.
How long can a mural project take from inception to execution?
The planning phase can take months or even years. Community engagement, fundraising, design revisions, meetings, permits and approvals often require significant time before paint ever touches the wall.
Once painting begins, however, we work very efficiently. Depending on the scale of the project, execution can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. One of the largest projects I’ve completed was a mural inside New Jersey State Prison that measured approximately 320 feet by 20 feet. That project took about three weeks to complete.
Are you taking the role of teacher, mentor or lecturer now?
Teaching and mentoring have always been important parts of my artistic journey. For more than 15 years, I’ve operated my graffiti education program, Art of the Spray, which runs seasonally and introduces students to graffiti art, design and creative expression.
I’ve also conducted workshops, demonstrations and lectures at schools, colleges and community organizations throughout the country. Community engagement is a major component of many of my mural projects. Recently, I’ve spoken at Princeton University and collaborated with Rider University and TCNJ through live painting demonstrations and public art events.
Please tell us about your current team.
My primary collaborator is Jose “Busta” Bustamante, known professionally as Busta Art. Together, we have completed murals throughout New Jersey and beyond. Depending on the needs of a project, I also work with a diverse network of artists and creatives. Some of the collaborators I’ve worked with over the years include B from Jersey, Ras, Mek, Liz Amaral, Egad and many others. Each project brings together different talents and perspectives.
Where can we see your work? What are some projects that you love in the area?
My work is heavily concentrated in Trenton, New Jersey, where I’ve created approximately 30 murals throughout the city. I’ve also completed projects in Newark, New Brunswick, Somerville, Philadelphia and other communities throughout the region.
Some of my favorite projects include “Breaking Barriers” on Cass Street in Trenton, “Jersey Fresh” at MetLife Stadium, the ScarePros mural in Levittown, the Christina Seix Academy Remix Studio, the Hamilton and Capital Area YMCA murals, and the Peace Mural Series created in partnership with Capital Health and Isles. Each project represents a unique collaboration and connection to the community.
What is on the horizon? What are you looking forward to?
I’m currently excited about several upcoming projects, including work connected to the new American Graffiti Museum coming to Trenton. It’s an incredible opportunity to be part of something that celebrates graffiti culture and its history while bringing together many talented artists. I’m grateful to help represent Trenton and contribute to a project that highlights the importance of graffiti and public art.
Website: www.leonrainbow.com.
