Masa y menos
Austin taco chain paints over short-lived South Lamar mural for new art

The now-closed casual Mexican restaurant Masa y Mas featured this portrait of a Mexican grandmother.
When creating a mural for the now-closed restaurant Masa y Más, Austin muralist Niz wanted the art to reflect the community.
"At that point, I was like, 'There's not one mural of a grandma or a Mexican family values and culture that I can think of.' And so, that was the initial inspiration," Niz said. "Eventually, it sort of morphed into the chef wanting it to be his mom because a lot of the food at Masa y Más was inspired by his mom's cooking and by Mexican street food."
It is inspiration that turned into months of work, with the mural in place for a year and a half. It was well-received in the neighborhood.
"I think it sort of, you know, connected people to that part of Latin culture, which is endearing and it's heartfelt – you know, unique," Niz said.
It struck a chord with residents like Molly Lindner.
"I just got really, you know, connected to and attached to the art that was there. And all of a sudden it just wasn't there," Lindner said.
Tacodeli is taking over the space, with fellow artist and Niz's friend, Mike Johnston, painting a new mural. He is using the design to pay respect to another artist, named Crash, who died. Tacodeli used her artwork on its tables and branding.

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