AUSTIN, Texas — January 22 is a day to celebrate the life of a musician and artist known for creating the famous, “Hi, How Are You” mural near UT’s campus.
Daniel Johnston created the mural in 1993 to help raise awareness about mental health.
Monday would’ve been Johnston’s 63rd birthday. And while the building that was connected to the mural is gone, Austinites are still honoring Johnston with those four words.
“The idea of being aware of mental health and being aware [of] how we are feeling … The concept of ‘Hi, How Are You?’ which is basically just checking in with each other when we see each other on a daily basis,” said artist Luis Angulo.
Those inspired by him spent Monday honoring Johnston in East Austin
“Somebody who was a true original. An artist that was unique … Someone who really struggled with emotions and feelings, but always did his things his way,” Angulo said.
There’s also the ‘Hi, How Are You’ project, a nonprofit aimed at mental health awareness.
“Despite his struggles, he created really incredible visual art and music that stays with us to this day,” said project co-founder Tom Gimble. “His message was of joy and perseverance.”
Gimbel said the nonprofit also continues Johnston’s legacy by igniting conversations about mental health for young people between the ages of 14 and 24. He said it’s a critical time for mental health development in those who are going away to college and facing a lot of changes in their life.
The nonprofit also teamed up with Austin coffee shops playing a playlist inspired by Johnston with coffee sleeves that say, ‘Hi, How Are You.’
“People reach out and have a real conversation,” Gimble said. “Say, ‘Hi, how are you?’ It’s a sincere conversation.”
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