Greetings from Houston!

That is the colorful, clear message relayed by the selfie wall recently completed in Terminal A North at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The selfie wall is already a huge hit with passengers and staff alike, inviting dozens of “posers” each day.

Alton DuLaney, Houston Airports Curator of Public Art, said he has been pleased with the reaction to the wall, created in two very long work days by local Latino artist Daniel Anguili and his artistic partner Frank Nathan.

“They worked diligently to get this accomplished on schedule and with a very modest budget,” DuLaney said. “And it is outstanding!”

“It is already a huge success, as passengers and employees alike have been snapping pics with the wall as their backdrop.”

Anguili is a prolific Houston-based street artist responsible for some of Houston’s most compelling murals scattered throughout the city. The symbolism in his latest work on display at IAH includes the Texas flag, an airplane, the state of Texas (with a drip of oil), and birds representing flight.

In this age of modern-day #instamoments (also called Instagram moments) instantly recorded and posted via Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook, selfie walls have become more and more popular. DuLaney has been steadfastly transforming Houston Airports.

IAH provides a variety of service-oriented amenities designed and included to enhance the travel experience of nearly 60 million passengers who travel through the airport each year.       Free, fast wi-fi, service animal relief areas, accessibility-related services for travelers with disabilities, chapels, interactive visitor kiosks, and lactation rooms/mothers’ rooms are all factors that have led to the coveted 4-star designation IAH has enjoyed the past two years.

IAH is certified with a 4-star airport rating from industry expert Skytrax. The selfie wall only enhances the attractiveness of the airport as it works toward 5-star status.

Anguilu is originally from Mexico City, Mexico, but calls Houston his hometown.

Anguilu started painting graffiti at an early age, and his style is largely inspired by his Mexican heritage. He has painted murals in many cities throughout the United States as well as at locations in Mexico, Peru, Spain, and Italy. Interestingly, he was formerly a METRO train driver as well.

“It’s really nice to create this welcoming mural that includes part of what Houston represents,” Anguilu said. “The imagery helps us reflect on the multi-cultural society that we cultivate here in Houston. The bright colors are a celebration of diversity.”

DuLaney expressed his appreciation for the artists’ superb work. He also spread the credit for the project’s efficient completion to several individuals and teams at Houston Airports, including Viorica “Ella” Ghica, Dawn Hoffman, Russell Marine, and Steve Runge.

“Steve Runge and the Ops team went out of their way to help with the logistics,” he said.

“Be sure to snap your own pic of it next time you are in Terminal A North,” DuLaney concluded.