Behind the Wire

On By ResaIn Clandestinos, Murals

A “Le gasp” moment grabbed me when this fabulous mural appeared in an alley.

Narrow yards, and fences blocking fire escapes that were far enough away to get a great shot without wires, were the bane of this shoot.

Settling into the best spot available, I did my best to capture this magnificent mural.

Unable to get rid of the wire, I kept thinking “it’s behind the wire. Isn’t “Behind the Wire”a term?

It means being in a prison camp or refugee camp. Or, it’s about how institutions/governments have an effect on individuals.

I was intrigued by the lock and twig key in the woman’s forehead. Lots of meaning there.

Anyway, I tried capturing angles, and of course reflections in a parked car. Got 3 good ones, in the slideshow below.

Reminder – If you park your car by art, make sure the car is clean!

Pics taken by Resa – March 7, 2025

Toronto, Canada

The Artists:

146 thoughts on “Behind the Wire”

  1. This is a fantastic mural and worthy of Le Gasp! The face and bird are particularly captivating, especially with the colors, expression, and keyhole in her forehead. Nice find Resa! 😃

    1. Le thank you!
      The artists did a marvellous job. It is a husband and wife team. I met them the year before Covid at a street art fair.
      I love everything they do.
      The key.. Her mind is locked away from the thought police.
      I’m thrilled you like this Brad!

    2. Oh I hope you write about that someday Resa. It may be to personal and difficult. I got the gift to write from my mom who never published anything but she was an extremely talented writer.

      I showed my husband your amazing portrait of Janis Joplin yesterday and the video. I wanted him to see how you managed to capture all those expressions in your portrait. Perhaps the best way to say it is that you capture the soul behind that face. Your study of the individual prior to painting is quite a process, admirable. Excited to see it. You know, Joni Mitchell, had such beautiful and “ahead of her time lyrics,” along with a vocal range that still blows me away. I can put her music and feel for an hour the happiness, which was almost non-existent, almost like a high. Xoxoxo and big southern hugs 🤗

      1. Ahh, well I adore your writing, Joni!

        How lovely of you to share my art. Wow!
        So, I finished the Joni portrait last night. Tomorrow is sunny, soI will take pics, and see if there’s any last minute touch ups.
        Hopefully it will get all done tomorrow.

        Okay, I’ll be by. to check your new poem later. Maybe I read it already, as there is no new notification. Of course those don’t always work. 🫤
        Happy First Day of Spring! 🐇🌸🌺🌼🌻🌹🍒💐

    1. Thanks Michael! I love those BIG murals.
      The colours in this one are spectacular.
      Best wishes to you, Michael.
      I will try again to go to your site. It never works. I have seen it a couple of times in the Reader. Thing is, I rarely use the Reader. I find its looks boring and repelling.
      LOL! xx

  3. Amazing lady (and I’m not just talking about you, Resa!) What do you think the lock in her forehead is all about? You did a great job with the photos xx

    1. Yes, Dave, I find the wires create an art imitating life effect.

      The art is the photography, and what the photographs capture in this case is – Art imprisoned by wires.

      “Behind the wire” means Imprisoned, in any form of imprisonment. It implies government imprisonment, for example.

      The art with the wires prison seems representative of our political reality at the moment.

      The lock with twig key adds to the feel, with the idea of locked away from the “thought police”

      Egads, I love how art moves the mind!

    1. I know, Shey!
      They use a scissor lift.
      The street artists have had me mesmerized from the first mural I ever found.
      I’m so lucky to live in a city that loves art…on walls outside! xxx

      1. No wonder they have had you mesmerised from the start. It’s amazing, the whole concept and execution and everything actually. Thank you so much for sharing theese.

        1. Shey!
          Yes, it really is a masterpiece.
          I love finding the art, then sharing it adds a cherry on top.
          Happy First Day Of Spring!!!!
          🌻🌼🌸🌺💐🍒☀️

  6. Just stunning artwork Resa on this one… The key with the new growth growing from her 3rd eye, definitely full of meaning
    Behind the wire… Also, meaningful. Wasn’t that film? It rings a bell.

    I am always stunned at the height of these works of art and how they managed to get all in perspective… Truly brilliant…
    Thank you for sharing xx ❤

    1. I think the lock and twig key is meaningful, too.

      There was a film Bird on a Wire with Goldie Hawn, but I can’t think of a film Behind the Wire.

      I’ve watched them paint. They use scissor lifts. They paint an area for a bit. Then they go on the ground, back up a lot… look up at the art for a bit, then go paint more.

      It’s an art discipline, and it’s amazing.

      Happy you got to see this, Sue!

      xoxo🎨💜

      1. My hubby tells me I was thinking of a book of that same name, It may well be on his book shelves 🙂 lol… He is an avid reader of thrillers 🙂 I remember that film with Goldie Hawn.

        Wow, to their skill at painting in such scale and height… The perspectives are always to me spot on.. 🙂 xx

        As to the Key in the painting.. I feel more are allowing their 3rd Eye to GROW, as the lock and key suggests 🙂
        Have a lovely weekend ❤ Hugs xx

  7. Great mural! I like who the woman is so peaceful, serene, but the bird seems angry (Angry Birds?). Is the twig unlocking her mind, maybe she is at peace with nature, or perhaps it is coming out of her mind, part of that peace? And then imprisoned behind the wires and fire escape, perhaps the twig of a key is freeing her? More questions than answers! Great find 🙂

    1. Trent,

      Yes, now that you mention it, the bird looks angry. I think I always knew that, but am blinded by her beauty.

      Peace with nature, yes, and more I think. My interpretation is that she has locked her mind away from synthetic, not good ideas…like those from the “Thought Police” or Big Brother.
      It truly is a marvellous piece of art to be interpreted.

      I need to think about the bird.
      A wife and husband team painted this.
      She the face, he the bird.
      It’s as if the bird is a guard, or a sentry.

      Trent, I got excited and light headed when I found this. One would think I found a treasure, and I did! ❦

      1. Yes, you did discover a hidden treasure 🙂
        The bird could be protecting her, that would make sense. Perhaps part of that natural barrier to keep those synthetic, outside thoughts at bay.

        1. Yes, I like that.
          I like to think something is protecting my mind from the thought police.
          As long as I hang with intellectuals (like you), I should be okay. 🤔😊

          Today was beautiful weather. Big walk and another found treasure!
          Rest of the week is loser weather, and chores galores.

          1. Thanks, though I am not sure how deserved 🙂
            Yesterday was beautiful here as well. Crisp blue, cloudless skies and plenty of sunshine. It is raining this morning. I hear Saturday should be nice.
            Glad you made another discovery!

    1. Thanks Liz!

      I went crazy walking. (MY legs!!! 😖🤭) I should have been more gradual with the walking after a long winter of mostly not walking.

      Still, I found this mural and 2 other magnificents and a bunch of really cool pieces.

      It’s the best escape!

                2. Egads! Liz, I read this in Heather Cox Richardson’s newsletter.
                  “Today, members of the “Department of Government Efficiency” team showed up at the Institute of Museum and Library Services,”

                  I’m calling the the Department of Gestapo Efficiency.

                  1. I don’t know how much longer I can read Heather’s Substack. Every day the news gets worse, and there’s no a damn thing I can do about it. (Or anyone else, it would appear.)

                    1. Thing is, we have to stay informed. If not, we are in a better position to be bowled over.
                      Ignorance may be a bliss, but at what cost?

                      What I do is skim read. If something really sticks out, I’ll give it a better read, or find a clip on youtube to see it from another perspective.

                      Something can be done. It’s only been 2 months. It’s just starting.

                    2. The obligation to be informed is what keeps me reading Heather’s posts. Thank you for the positivity, Resa. I keep forgetting that two months is a relatively short period of time.

    1. Hello Violet,

      I adore shooting street art reflections in cars. A lot of art/murals are in parking lots, so I make the most of it.
      The artists are a wife and husband team…Shalak Attack& Bruno Smoky. They’ve become internationally famous, and have painted murals world wide.

      Finding art in alleys has an effect on me. This mural made my heart race, and a smile so wide my face hurt.

  12. Gorgeous. The lock is where her third eye is…so she’s awake, even though her eyes are closed, (at least that’s what it means to me). The bird is so beautiful…a messenger. The colors and artwork are so wonderful. Great shots, Resa. It’s great.

    1. Yes, the lock is definitely where her 3rd eye is, and I hope it keeps out the “thought police”.

      I adore this mural. I’ve been over walking, my legs are sore, but I found a lot of art. It’s the best escape.

      Part of me just wants to walk and find art and never have to come back.

      Thought of you when I found a small pigeons mural.

      They’ll go in my Easter post with the chick and bunny I found.

      Easter Pigeons!!!! Why not? xx

    1. Well, Frank, It’s not everyday you see someone with a locked mind.

      Hmm, but maybe it is? Now that I think about she’s probably locking out the closed minded “thought police”.
      (hug)

  14. Another good catch Resa, beautiful one, nice drawing, must have been quite something to do this mural, as for the keyhole and plant coming out of it, anybody’s guess I suppose..:) Thanks for sharing Resa, good pics

    1. Yes, anybody’s guess.
      I’m guessing she’s locked out the”thought police” that are taking root south of us.
      It really is a beautiful piece of art!
      I’m glad you got to see it, and I always love your comments! xx

  16. I love the gorgeous combination of vivid and muted colors here. This is truly one of your most beautiful shots of wall art.
    over the sun is out and blue and gorgeous to!
    Xoxoxoxo

    1. It is a beautiful work of wall art.
      I’m glad you got to see it. I think the colours in this work have a positive effect when you look at them.
      We need all the positivity and light we can fine right now!
      Xoxoxo + xoxo = xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

      1. We certainly do and beautiful wall art is a real day brightener. You have so much art near you it’s wonderful. Thank you for sharing it with us.
        xoxoxoxoxo❤️xoxoxoxoxo

        1. Meece!
          I found a beauty today!
          I think it’s a Poetess Nouveau. I want to dedicate it to you!
          Sent a mail with pics. Wait ’til you see this beauty!! (like you!)
          xoxoxoxoxo❤️xoxoxoxoxo

  17. Whoa!! Le gasp indeed! What a magnificent mural, Resa!!

    It’s awesome how your interest in the meaning of ‘behind the wire’ revealed the metaphor hidden in this beautiful piece of art. This art has a whole new meaning now and I appreciate it even more.

    “If you park your car by art, make sure the car is clean!” Mwahahaha!! I better remember this next time I park near a mural You aren’t just an amazing photographer with eagle eyes, but you’ve got the wit to boot! Love ya! ‭❤ ❦ ♡ ♥

    1. I adore this mural.
      Ruth, thank you for catching the hidden, metaphorical meaning I see.

      I post it for it’s beauty for all to enjoy. However, if I can impart a bit more here and there to anyone, well, that’s art for ya!

      I hope you will respect all murals with a clean car!
      Love ya back! 🌟🎨💜❦

  18. Ohh Yeah What a shoot📸 The angles are super neat, colorful abstracts in their own right. I’m eating up the color, including the aqua background border you put around the last one👏

    2. It is a great mural in many ways. I’m glad you got to see it!
      I can’t begin to tell how thrilled I feel when I find these amazing works! 🎨😊

  21. 🌿🗝️❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🗝️🌿

     ‌

    Not only…

     ‌

    ⬻𓂀☆♡ ‌ ‌ 🎀 ‌ 𝐵𝑒𝑎𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑢𝑙 ‌ 🎀 ‌ ‌ ♡☆𓂀⤖

     ‌

    but also, sooooo…

     ‌

    ⬻𓂀☆♡ ‌ ‌ 🎀 ‌ 𝐺𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑣𝑦 ‌ 🎀 ‌ ‌ ♡☆𓂀⤖

     ‌

    🌿🗝️❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🗝️🌿

    1. Aww, Thank you Graham!

      Your comment is art!

      ❧❧❧❧ 🎭 ❦❦❦ 🎨 𝐺𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑣𝑦 ‌🎨 ❦❦❦ 🎭 ❧❧❧❧

  24. This mural is stunning, Resa! The woman (and maybe with another bird?) reminds me of something you shared another time, but I couldn’t tell you what or when. I wonder what kind of plant is unlocking her head. I wondered olive branch and peace? Or unlocking knowledge? I think the bird looks more annoyed than angry.

    Great shots! I love the reflections–of course!

    1. Ahh, yes, I have featured these artists before.
      Good memory, Merril!
      It’s a wife and husband team. She does the faces and he does animals (although not exclusively)

      Unlocking knowledge…I like that!
      It’s better than my take of keeping the “Thought Police” locked out of her mind.
      Definitely a panting to be deciphered.

      Thanks about the shots and reflections.
      Why oh why are there so many dirty cars by art!!! 🤔

        1. Lol! No worries.

          I got excited there for a moment. I thought perhaps I had joined the underground resistance in my sleep (instead of sleepwalk eating).

          Kerfe was my code name.

          Hmm, I suppose if Kerfe joined the underground, her code name could be Resa. 🤔

          🕵️‍♀️ x 😅

  25. Hi Resa
    What a marvellous mural 👍 👍
    You made us laugh about your advice only park your washed car in front of art.
    Thanks for sharing
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

    1. Hello Klausbernd & 3 other Fabs!
      It’s a wonderful mural.
      I am getting tired of dirty cars by the art!!!!✊😂
      Thank you for your visit and the FAB comment!

  27. What an amazing mural! I love the vivid colors and the way the bird and person are facing in different directions; it adds a sense of mystery to the scene! Thanks for sharing this incredible art with us. 💜😊🌷

    1. Hello Ada!

      The colours are marvellous! Okay, that’s interesting. No one has pointed out that the woman and bird are facing opposite directions.

      I can see that clearly, but it didn’t sink in.

      It’s the first day of spring! The flowers will be up soon. The artists will be painting.

      Happy Spring! 💐🌺🌼🌸🌻🌹🎨

  29. It’s just amazing! She is not only an angel but also resembles Mother Nature, with a plant adorning her forehead. Ironically, these grids can be interpreted precisely as you have written! An excellent observation, my dear Resa; thank you!

    🤙🙏💖🤗🎨🌹

    1. Yes, she is Mother Nature. The plant is a key to the lock in her forehead. I hope this will keep out the “Thought Police”!
      These days, my observations are not as naive as they were a few years ago.
      Happy First Day of Spring, Aladin!
      🌻🌼🌸🌺💐🍒☀️xx

  32. Le Gasp indeed! That’s how I felt with the one I shared last week. Course, mine was at night, so I was limited, but I am determined to go back when there is no snow (which is probably already the case).

    So, back to this gorgeous discovery meriting Le Gasp. The colours!

    Thankfully both faces are above the wires!

    Beauty, Sorceress.

    xoxoxoxo

    1. It’s such a thrill to find street art!

      I saw the one you posted. It is truly beautiful.

      I read this comment and went over. Then dinner,. Now, Im back, until the band starts playing. Then I’m going to draw!

      As I mentioned, this is by the same artist. How cool is that?
      Some kind of cool, weird synchronicity.
      Okay Thunder, I hear the band warming up, and I want to answer a few more comments.

      xoxoxoxo

      1. Yes, it is!

        So glad you enjoyed mine!

        That is the very coolest that we shared within a week of each other. Very, VERY cool synchronicity, my friend.

        Go for it!

        xoxoxoxoxo

  34. Well worth a gasp, Resa! Gorgeous colors, and I wonder about her forehead too. Some kind of significance there. I also love how you included the meaning of ‘behind the wire.’ To me, the look on her face seems meditative, while the bird’s looks contemplative. I could be wrong though. 🙂 And the humor about parking in front of art is awesome! An amazing piece of artwork! xoxoxoxoxo

    1. Agree! This mural does get one to thinking.

      I suppose I came up with “Behind the Wire” not just for the obvious reason…it is behind wires, but I do feel behind the wires these days, to a point.

      Art talks! I’m listening.

      Well, there’s nothing like a shiny clean black car to reflect art. of course I can’t insist that only black cars park by art, but clean would be a nice start.
      Luv Ya! xoxoxoxo

  35. Le Gasp! is right. Isn’t that exquisite, Resa? So beautiful. And I wondered about the twig and keyhole too. “Nature is the key to peace” is my interpretation. Too bad about the wires, but they can’t stop the beauty from shining through. Thanks for sharing!

    1. Welcome, Diana.
      It was such a thrill finding this magnificent mural in an alley.
      Nature is a key to peace. Keep those “Thought Police” out of my head!

  37. Resa, this artwork is just unbelievably stunning and captivating. So many different ways to present it as well. I love how you got the gorgeous images on your car. I love street art and have a lot of it online I really should put it out there. However, my captures are not nearly as perfectly orchestrated as yours.
    It was very clever how the artist has the bird’s mouth right by what I think is a light. I honestly thought she had created a 3-D image of a fly or something. Thank you for sharing, and what an amazing spectacle the reflections on the car were as well. I was looking for your portrait; I am wondering if I have the wrong website. I am glad I did not miss this. Sending hugs and love, Joni

    1. It’s a bit of a story, but my passion for Street art and all art after that was a gift from my mom when she was dying. She didn’t know it, and neither did I at the time.

      A fly…..? Love that!

      Aff, the Joni portrait is not finished. It’s close though.
      I’m going to wish you a lovely good night, and go draw!
      HUGS xoxo

    1. Yes, and once they’ve planned out the art, it’s a joy to watch a mural being painted. I’ve had the honour on several ocassions.

      Hey Jan, it’s the first day of spring.

      Happy Spring! 💐🌺🌼🌸🌻🌹🎨

  39. Oooooh! This one is gorgeous and so very evocative. Like you, I got focused on the keyhole and sprout. I wasn’t familiar with the slang “behind the wire.” That added a whole new level to the mural. You did a great job photographing it despite the difficulty. Well done, Resa. Big hugs.

    1. Thanks Teagan!
      This mural is so fantastic, I literally gasped when I saw it.
      There’s nothing like the thrill of finding street art!
      Hugs! Hugs!

  41. Le? Meet GASP!

    What a beauty! And you’re right, there is much substance to go with all of that beautiful style in this mural. Which, you did a great job framing by the way. Behind the wire and yet you made it work! And kudos to that clean windshield for an assist.

    1. Thank you, Marc!

      I adore this big time.
      This is one of several great murals I have found recently.

      We had a couple of fab weather days, and I literally walked my legs off.
      Then I cam e home and put them somewhere.
      Now, I’m not sure where they are?

      Yes, at least the windshield was clean.

      MUAH!

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