Arlington
Museum of Art

FIFA World Cup experiential mural installation featured at the
More than a Match Exhibition, now on view through August 2, 2026.

Art of the Game

Inspired by the love and passion of the game, I wanted to create a mural that truly elevated the art. Borrowing from religious symbolism, the murals tells the story of the past generation, represented by Messi, and the new generation, represented by Jude Bellingham and Virgil Van Dijk, as they strive for glory and ultimately World Cup greatness.

A mural depicting three soccer players in motion (Lionel Messi, Virgil Van Dyck, and Jude Bellingham) on a black background featured at the Arlington Museum of Art.
A man wearing a white baseball cap and black shirt, looking down, with a blurred background that includes a red and black object.
An artist is painting a large mural on a dark wall. The mural depicts a man running, wearing an orange shirt with a Nike logo. The artist is standing on a red lift, working on the lower part of the mural.
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Project Timelapse

Colton Canava and Arlington Museum of art CEO Chris Hightower stand together at the unveiling of the Art of the game mural, featured at the FIFA World Cup Exhibition.

Mission Complete

Early in 2026 I set a goal to complete a World Cup mural, and in April I was able to realize and complete this project just in time for the show opening. Call it chance, luck, or manifestation realized, this project is a momentous project for Cryptid Theory. This project took 10 days to create from concept to completion, and is a central piece in the museums “More than a Match” World Cup Exhibition.

 

Mural Location

Now on display through August 2nd, 2026 at the Arlington Museum of Art, located in the Entertainment District.

Additional Projects

  • Interior of a coffee shop with colorful mural of a red-haired woman and a lion, hanging lights, chairs, tables, and clothing rack.

    Arlington Coffee Roasters

    Mural - 2025

  • A man and a child standing outside near a large mural of three cowboys playing guitars and drinking whiskey. The man is smiling and making hand signs, and there is sunlight shining in the sky.

    Trinity River Distillery

    Mural - 2018

  • Street scene with colorful murals painted on metal shutters, depicts various figures including a person in football gear, a horse, and abstract elements, on a brick wall building, nighttime.

    Bell Partners

    Mural -2025

  • Interior of a modern conference room or office space at the United Way Tarrant County Institute, with a reception desk in foreground, multiple chairs arranged in rows on the left, and small tables with chairs on the right, featuring a blue wall with the United Way logo, institute name, and slogans.

    United Way - Tarrant County

    Mural - 2026

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