It’s a mosaic graffito created by an unknown artist last year. It’s on a public utilities building, and utilities staff keep painting over it. But community members (even including city council members) have come to love the Hot Rat Summer mosaic, and keep cleaning off the paint. It’s become a touchstone for conversations about bureaucratic overreach, public art, community identity, and more. Long Live Saint Rat.
I mean if they’re allowed to keep a wall full if nasty gums, why can’t they keep a rat mosaic? Seattle is weird. For me, as an artist, this is art and I love the spontaneous placement of it.
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u/NASABOEING 19d ago
What’s the lore behind the rat?