Arizona’s art scene just hit a new high – literally. Artist and creative powerhouse Leila Parnian has completed the state’s tallest mural, a 230-foot-tall masterpiece titled Through Her Eyes, painted on the soon-to-open Saiya apartment building in downtown Phoenix. The monumental mural marks a career milestone for Parnian and sets a new record for public art in AZ.
Suspended by a swing stage and secured with steel cables, Parnian freehanded the design while dangling high above the city. The mural, which includes her own eyes and eyebrows as a focal point, is a personal piece meant to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for other creatives.
“If people know my 21-year journey to become an ‘overnight success,’ I hope it encourages them to pursue their passions,” Parnian said.
Leila, who has been a professional artist since 2004, began mural work in 2018 with her first piece inside State 48 Brewery in Phoenix. Since then, she’s created notable murals across the Valley, including the 1912 mural on the Kinect building next to the Westin, over 20 pieces at Hotel Adeline in Scottsdale, and works at Cannabist Tempe, all Porch locations, Brunch Snob, and Schmooze.
Parnian didn’t tackle the sky-high mural alone—she was joined by two seasoned artists, Danny Lorden (aka D-Lord) and Shawn Forton. Lorden, a Baltimore-born artist known for his gritty, graffiti-influenced style, has worked on national projects and collaborated with major names like Jelly Roll, JoJo Siwa, and Logan Paul.
Forton, a Maryland native, rediscovered his love for art after the birth of his daughter and quickly rose in the mural world, landing large-scale commissions and media attention with his expressive, acrylic-driven work.
“Supporting local artists isn’t just about showcasing talent,” said Oz Friedmann of Saiya Apartments. “It’s about investing in the soul of our community.”
Despite Phoenix’s intense heat and monsoon winds, the trio completed the project over two months. More than a mural, Through Her Eyes represents a movement.
“We were allowed to stay up as long as the wind didn’t exceed 25 mph,” Parnian said. “But the moment I saw lightning, I knew it was time to get down.”
Parnian’s artistic pursuits span epoxy furniture design, custom paintings, mannequin art, therapeutic TheraPour® classes, DJing, and her role as creative and interior designer at Parnian Furniture.
“This mural isn’t just for me—it’s for every young artist wondering if they can make it,” said Parnian. “I want Arizona’s creatives to dream louder and aim higher.”
To learn more, visit leilaparnian.com or follow her journey on Instagram @leilaparnian. Behind-the-scenes footage of the mural’s creation is available at YouTube.com/@LeilaParnian.
