A new Macon mural turned Jason Aldean into a cartoon. Here’s how he reacted
While Macon boasts several beautiful murals celebrating iconic figures in the city’s history, a new mural hasn’t gotten the reaction the artist intended.
The new mural is on the side of the South Plaza Shopping Center on Pio Nono Avenue and features multiple Macon musicians, with local country artist Jason Aldean as the biggest face. The painting of Aldean has drawn some interest for its cartoon features from many people online, including the singer himself.
“I started seeing pictures of it popping up on Facebook,” Aldean said of the mural while calling in to a national radio show. “I think my dad sent it to me and he’s like, ‘This is cool. They just kind of did you dirty.’”
Many have taken to posting on Facebook about the mural, comparing Aldean’s likeness to a cartoon caricature drawn at a theme park or fair. The painting features exaggerated facial features that are spaced far apart.
“I saw a comparison today. They had the painting on the mural and then they had a picture of like, I think it was Beavis from Beavis and Butt-Head right beside it. It was pretty accurate,” Aldean said.
Some have said that they think the cartoon style is intentional and works well, but the majority of reactions have not been positive. Aldean said he wanted to acknowledge the artist regardless.
“I don’t wanna offend the artist, because like I said, I do appreciate the gesture, but I’m like, ‘Gosh man! Is that how people see me?,’” Aldean said.
The mural also features Macon musicians Otis Redding and Rev. Pearly Brown along with Aldean underneath a heading that read “Macon Greatest.” The pictures are spread out against a gray painted background.
The shopping center where the mural is located houses a Roses Discount Store, Citi Trends and a Dollar General. It isn’t known who commissioned the mural, but it was painted by artist Shemika Bussey.
Aldean recently released a double album titled “Macon, Georgia.”
This story was originally published July 26, 2022 at 11:48 AM.