Artist Behind Canceled Iryna Zarutska Mural Starting New One in Providence

Artist Behind Canceled Iryna Zarutska Mural Starting New One in Providence

The artist who was behind the mural of slain Ukrainian Iryna Zarutska in Providence is now embarking on a new project in the city, GoLocal has learned.

Artist Ian Gaudreau had previously begun working on the mural at LGBTQ bar The Dark Lady.

Following political controversy, including condemnation by Mayor Brett Smiley (more below), the club announced it would be canceling the mural project.

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On Friday, Gaudreau confirmed to GoLocal that he is now painting a new mural on the side of the restaurant “Opa” on Federal Hill.

“Yes, I am painting a new mural,” said Gaudreau, who said that is the only information he could provide at this time; he added that “more information” would be forthcoming.

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Last week, the Dark Lady had initially addressed what it said were “false narratives” by mural detractors, following reports that murals of Zarutska popping up around the country were funded by Elon Musk.

The issue of honoring Zarutska’s death has become a political lightning rod - President Donald Trump blasted Democrats for how they reacted to her mother’s appearance during his State of the Union address last month.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley weighed in saying, “The murder of the individual depicted in this mural was a devastating tragedy, but the misguided, isolating intent of those funding murals like this across the country is divisive and does not represent Providence. I continue to encourage our community to support local artists whose work brings us closer together rather than further divides us.”

The Dark Lady ultimately discontinued the mural at the location.