Laotian Mural

Among the predominantly Latino/a murals in Fruitvale, here's a striking piece that stands out for its Laotian and Cambodian influences. This vibrant mural, created by Oakland-based artist Pat Kong, features a woman adorned with iconic symbols from Oakland, Laos and Cambodia. On her head is an Apsara headdress, typically seen in traditional Cambodian dance. In the center of the mural, under the “Welcome to Oakland” sign, is Airavata: the mythic three-headed elephant from Southeast Asian lore, symbolizing power and protection, and once part of the Laotian flag. By blending contemporary graffiti art with traditional Asian imagery, this mural reflects the richly multicultural community of Fruitvale.