Madre
Dulce, 55 years old, chose the word « Madre »(mother).
Her mother died 2 months ago and she wanted to pay tribute with this wall. Dulce has in mind everything that her mother taught her, starting with family values. She told me that this choice of word is both personal and very universal since we all have or have had a mother.
This is my last mural in Petare, Caracas on this episode of « Share The Word Project ».
It has been great reuniting with my friends here, making new friends and feeling even more part of the community. In particular I want to thank all the youth who helped me: Emily, Sheherezade, Esteban, Edwin, Ariana, Ashley, Aray, Juan David and Melanie. Thank you to Su Merced Yaneth for welcoming us to her house and taking good care of us, and of course Katy, the community leader. Dudu and I will miss our barrio!
Espiritualidad
Espiritualidad
Berta chose the word « Espiritualidad » (Spirituality).
She told me that she wanted to choose a word that is deep and compatible with every religion.
She is catholic but there are different sorts of christians in the neighbourhood as well as muslims and jews in the rest of the city.
I struggled to find a way of fitting such a long word on an almost square wall. I went for a layout that highlights this font which I drew a few weeks ago.
Humildad
Humildad
Aray chose the word Humildad (Humility).
She told me that no matter who you are or where you live, staying humble is essential in order to live in harmony with those around us.
This piece is a collab with Venezuelan artist Dagor .
Not only is he a very respected artist here in Venezuela, but he’s also keen on sharing his work in some of the most unprivileged neighbourhoods of Caracas. In 10 years of painting in slums around the world, he’s the only artist whose work I have seen on the walls before I started painting.
We’d been talking about collaborating for a while as our styles are compatible and our perception of public art very similar.
This is the first wall I’ve painted with another artist on Share The Word Project . It was an honour and I’m very happy with the result! Gracias mi pana!
Amor
Amor
Emily, 17 years old, chose the word “Amor” (Love).
She told me that the word was chosen for her mother who’s the person who loves her the most. Her mum gets up early to go to work in central Caracas to be able to feed her and almost everything she does is for her.
I became friends with Emily 4 years ago when I first came here to Petare. I taught her how to paint and she helped me on all my murals. This time again, Emily is one of our best helpers and I’m very proud to see that she hasn’t forgotten anything I taught her!
Paz
Paz
Gladys chose the word “Paz” (Peace).
Although Venezuela isn’t at war, she hopes that more peaceful times are ahead.
These last 10 years Venezuela has been going through a huge financial crisis that has affected Venezuelans in every way possible, including of course safety. Things have gotten a little better these last few years, but gang-related violence is still part of life here.
Seb Toussaint 