At 200 East 75th Street, artist Dean Barger’s mural is in good company. The new luxury condo building was designed by Beyer Blinder Belle Architects and the interior design is by Yellow House Architects. “200 East 75th Street is a world-class building that offers the highest level of finishes and design,” says Ted Segal, founder and president of EJS Group—the real estate development company behind the building.
Barger—who is the Founder and CEO of Dean Barger Studios, Inc.—has painted murals for celebrities like Candice Bergen and Meg Ryan, restaurants such as Le Coucou and La Mercerie, and has worked with brands like FoundRae, Fortuny, and Todd Snyder. Below, we ask him about the mural in 200 East 75th Street.
How did this mural come to fruition and what is the inspiration behind it?
The mural at 200 East 75th Street grew out of a collaboration with the building’s team, who wanted the lobby to feel warm and welcoming, like an escape from the busy streets of New York. From the beginning, we talked about creating something that would greet residents in a calm, almost ethereal way as they entered the space.
How long did it take to produce?
From the initial conversations to the final brushstroke, the process unfolded over several months. That included concept development, refining composition, and creating a palette. The on-site painting itself took about a week, gradually building layers of color and texture until the mural developed the soft, atmospheric quality I was looking for.
What is the process of creating a mural like this?
It always begins with listening and understanding the space, the architecture, and the feeling the client hopes the mural will evoke. I then create a digital rendering that explores the composition and palette. The painting happens slowly in layers, starting with broad shapes and washes of color and gradually refining them until the piece settles into a balanced dreamscape.
Do clients usually come to you with a specific vision or do you dream it up together?
Most projects are collaborative. Sometimes a client comes with a clear direction, and other times they simply want something unique that enhances the feeling of the space. I enjoy developing the concept together and allowing the architecture, the client’s ideas, and my own artistic instincts to blend into something that feels natural and cohesive. I also love to collaborate with my team and see all of our hands in the final product.
What is your background in art and how did you get started in mural painting?
My grandfather was an architect, and my mother an illustrator. From an early age she would take me to art museums and classes. From there it just seemed to be in my blood.
In a sentence, how would you describe your murals?
They are big, yet they dematerialize the spaces they inhabit, allowing the viewer to feel embraced and transported.
Where is the most unexpected space you have painted a mural?
Stable Hall in San Antonio, Texas, where our mural acts as a backdrop for musicians.
What is your dream project?
I would love to create something wonderful for a unique space in Japan!
