DES MOINES, Iowa — If you've been walking around downtown Des Moines, you may have seen a new mural inspired by the famous horror film, "The Shining".
Anand Murugappan lives in downtown Des Moines, and on his walk home he can see the new piece of art located on a viaduct on SW 9th Street.
"I'm not exactly much of an art appreciator," Murugappan said. "I think it's pretty well done compared to the average artwork made on a building."
After moving to Des Moines three months ago, Mac Cantera views the mural inspired by Jack Nicholson's character mysterious, telling Local 5 it's always caught his eye.
"I don't know if they're just making a nice reference, or just trying to portray something about the city itself or what, but it's, I always tend to look at it," Mac Cantara, told Local 5.
Though the city of Des Moines isn't appreciative of the latest art installment, with the Des Moines Engineering Department releasing a statement about the mural. The department was allegedly unaware of how and when the current mural was placed on the SW 9th viaduct, adding that no permits were requested or issued for the project.
Their statement reads in part:
"We are working with an area business to cover the existing mural. The viaduct is scheduled for construction maintenance in spring of 2025, and any artwork located on the viaduct should expect to see some damage."
Don Short, the owner of nearby business West End Architectural Salvage, claimed that Des Moines has a graffiti problem. He shared he has had issues at his business.
"We've had our building and our vehicles tagged, and it doesn't really serve a purpose," Short said.
Though, Short isn't totally against all graffiti.
"If you wanted to paint on my building, come ask me. I might let you ... " Short added. "Personally, I don't have a big problem with the art on the the viaduct, or art on the sides of the buildings, as long as you ask permission."
Murugappan hopes the painting of Johnny lives to see another day.
"If they left it, I'd be perfectly happy with that. So, if they do take it down, then it's just a waste of taxpayer dollars," Murugappan told Local 5.