The renowned Houston landmark, known for its "Be Someone" graffiti, has been overwritten yet again with unauthorized artwork
A renowned Houston landmark, the Union Pacific Bridge over Interstate 45, commonly known for its “Be Someone” graffiti, has been overwritten yet again with unauthorized artwork, this time promoting a cryptocurrency named Mog Coin.
The alteration of the iconic mural was spotted yesterday and captured in photographs, as reported by The Houston Chronicle.
This isn’t a first for the mural, which has served as a canvas for various messages since its first inscribing in 2012, and which, over time, has included everything from anti-war sentiments to obscure conspiracy theories. The “Be Someone” artwork has indeed become a Houston staple for motorists traveling downtown on I-45 from the north side. Its message has long inspired residents and visitors.
Despite past efforts to officially recognize the piece, including a 2018 petition that garnered over 16,000 signatures aiming to designate the graffiti as a city landmark, the mural has frequently found itself a target for defacement. This particular act of vandalism, changing the message to “Mog Coin,” is still shrouded in mystery with no clear indication whether the cryptocurrency has any real ties to the city, KHOU reported.
In previous years, the bridge has hosted a variety of painted alterations. Notably, in 2023, it served as a platform for activist Chandrika Metivie, who revised the sign to reflect messages such as “Woman, Life, Freedom,” and “No War Know Peace.” These changes were not without consequence, as Metivie faced felony criminal charges, only to have them dismissed in December, according to court records cited by The Houston Chronicle.
Despite the recurring acts to undesirably alter its appearance, the “Be Someone” graffiti continues to resonate with Houstonians and represents a special piece of the city’s culture. The recurring nature of the graffiti’s defacement can be seen, perhaps, as a reflection of the dynamic and constantly evolving landscape of urban art and dialogue.
However, questions still loom about whether this latest iteration, “Mog Coin,” will soon be painted over to return the mural to its original and motivational “Be Someone” directive, as reported by KHOU.
