PHILADELPHIA — During the NFL season, the Philly street artist known as Nero One made his presence felt around town.
He is best known for his murals of Philly icons and stencils of inspirational sayings like “You Belong Here” and “Hate Won’t Make Us Great” plastered on the walls of the city.
And during the Eagles’ Superbowl run that swept the city and inspired many, he began hosting pop-up art events to channel his amazing talent into something more personal – wearable art!
Eagles fans would line up to bring any item of clothing and Nero would paint his original stencils on it.
Most give credit to the Eagles’ superb season.
At a recent pop-up near Yards Brewing Company in Spring Garden, the line wound around 5th Street.
“We are made in Phila, made by Phila. Why wouldn’t we want Nero to be a part of that?” asks Sam Graham of Yards Brewing Company. “It’s a big part of Philadelphia, and supporting local artists is our goal.”
She continues, “The stencils were wonderful. I really like Kelce, Jalen. All are original. HE is Philadelphia and so are we.”
Many have taken photos and videos of Nero transforming his stencil on their clothes, tote bags, vintage and new shirts, and anything else in their closet.
And while the outcome of the Super Bowl is not what many fans expected, they can still cheer for this unique combination of art and culture.
Mark Risley of Fishtown adds, “I think in the city you leave with that feeling. A perfect symbiosis of art, culture and love of sports teams. I mean, look at that line. It’s a branch, you know?”
For more of Nero’s art, follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/nero_one
