coming SOON: Mid city mural
David Vincent's Martial Arts
cultural mural to be installed
at david vincent's Martial arts
A new mural will soon brighten the exterior of 5635 Government Street near Jefferson Highway transforming the space into a dynamic visual story that blends Filipino mythology and Louisiana’s natural landscape. The piece explores themes of discipline and creativity, strength and resilience, and the journey of self-mastery — core principles of martial arts training.
the journey
From the waters of Saint Malo, one of the earliest Asian settlements in North America, to the heart of Louisiana, this piece tells a story of culture, resilience, adaptation, and transformation.
The Journey
A journey across cultures and time.
More than a mural — this journey across cultures and time tells the story of resilience, transformation, and deep roots carried across the water.
From the waters of Saint Malo, one of the earliest Asian settlements in North America, to the heart of Louisiana, this piece tells a story of culture, resilience, adaptation, and transformation. A meeting of Filipino heritage and Louisiana roots, woven together through movement, color, and history.
This cultural mural at David Vincent’s Martial Arts & Fitness will tell the story of Filipino sailors, known as the Manila Men, escaping the harsh conditions of Spanish trade ships in search of freedom and a life of their own. They settled in the marshlands of southern Louisiana, building small fishing communities like Saint Malo — recognized as one of the earliest Asian settlements in North America.
Surrounded by water, wildlife, and an unfamiliar landscape, they adapted. They built homes on stilts, learned the rhythms of the wetlands, and forged a new identity — one rooted in both where they came from and where they had arrived.
This mural carries that story forward. It reflects the meeting of the Filipino culture with the Louisiana landscape — the resilience to adapt, and the journey of transformation. A place where heritage and environment come together to create something entirely new.
the artist
Baton Rouge artist Ellen Ogden brings stories to life through bold imagery, cultural symbolism, and a deep connection to the Louisiana landscape.
The artist
Ellen Ogden
Ellen Ogden is a Baton Rouge artist known for blending bold linework, storytelling, and symbolic imagery. Her work explores identity, environment, and cultural narrative, with a deep passion for capturing the vibrancy of Louisiana’s landscapes and elevating the beauty of its spaces. Her ability to weave rich cultural roots into place-based storytelling makes her an ideal artist for a piece that connects Filipino heritage with the spirit of Louisiana.
The Bakunawa
The Bakunawa’s presence serves as an invitation for community strength against darkness, fear, and the unseen forces that threaten the light.
The Bakunawa
A bayou spirit born from ancient legend
Deep within the legends of the Philippines lives the story of the mysterious Bakunawa — a massive serpent-like dragon said to dwell within the ocean, sky, and underworld. Its name means “bent snake,” and for centuries it has been one of the most powerful creatures in Filipino mythology.
According to ancient stories, the supreme god Bathala once created seven beautiful moons to light the night sky. Their glow was so breathtaking that the Bakunawa became enchanted by them. Rising from the dark ocean depths, the great serpent swallowed one moon every hundred years,
causing eclipses, earthquakes, storms, and darkness across the world.
As the centuries passed, only one moon remained. Fearing the Bakunawa would consume the last light in the sky, the ancient Filipinos united together. They gathered pots, pans, drums, and anything that could make noise, rushing toward the shore to create a thunderous roar. The loud sounds frightened the Bakunawa and forced the great serpent to retreat back into the sea, saving the final moon from disappearing forever.
Today, the legend of the Bakunawa represents courage, unity, and the fight to protect the light against overwhelming darkness — a timeless reminder that when people stand together, even the mightiest monsters can be driven back.
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Whether you’re beginning your martial arts journey, exploring our story, or looking to become part of our community, we’d love to help you take the first step on your journey today.
