Names have power. They carry history, identity, and meaning. In street art, a name on a wall is a statement: I was here. I matter. For Richmond muralist Basta, names are more than words—they’re a tribute to strength. Through his project SuperName, he’s turning graffiti into a symbol of resilience for young people battling cancer.
A Personal Fight, A Public Tribute
Basta has spent 20 years painting, a decade of that focused on murals. His style—graffiti lettering infused with pop art and comic influences—demands attention. But SuperName is different. It’s personal.
“I survived late-stage cancer at a young age and struggled with the many difficult effects that came with that,” he explains. “Art has always had an incredibly positive impact on my life, especially in challenging times. I’ve seen it do the same for others.”
That belief is what drives SuperName. By painting the names of young cancer fighters in bold, expressive graffiti, Basta gives them something larger than life—something that reminds them of their own strength.
What’s in a Name?
A name is deeply personal. It’s what you answer to, what people call when they need you. It holds memories, identity, and meaning.
Basta understands this, which is why SuperName is about more than art—it’s about morale. A mural with your name on it isn’t just an artwork; it’s a rallying cry, a mark that says: I am here. I matter. And I am still fighting.
That’s the spirit behind SuperName. These murals don’t just honor the kids whose names they carry; they amplify them. They transform a name into something bright, loud, and untouchable. When life becomes a series of hospital visits and medical charts, seeing your name painted across a city wall in electric color can be a powerful reminder that you are more than your illness.
Each mural is documented through video and captured in prints, giving recipients a lasting connection to their tribute. The impact goes beyond the wall—it becomes a reminder of their strength, something they can hold onto even after the paint dries.
Bringing SuperName to Richmond
Several Richmond walls are already lined up for SuperName, bringing these stories of resilience to the city’s landscape. It’s a project rooted in community, in visibility, and in giving young fighters a symbol of their own perseverance.
Follow @bastapaints to see the project unfold or to offer up more walls.
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