Murals and Street Art

I have a deep appreciation of murals and street art. I love the bold colors (and equally bold themes) and the way I feel enveloped by it. In recent years, I’ve stopped more often to take pictures - it’s always worth the time.

Tonight, we toured South High School where Miguel is currently a student and where we hope Zeca will go. The last time I was on the upper floors of the school was probably during the open house his freshman year but tonight, we walked the whole building because Zeca wanted to see everything. I was stunned by the beautiful murals throughout and didn’t remember them from my previous visits.

The stairwells were covered in giant paintings, hands reaching out and trees stretching up to skies - paintings so large and vibrant that they were almost too much to take in. But later, I turned a corner and a small one caught me by surprise - a small wall with a powerful message.

The mural runs the length of the wall and I could only capture half of it due to the narrow hallway

The murals are all designed and painted by students with guidance from teachers and outside artists. I don’t know who is responsible for this one but I stopped and took it all in, a powerful reminder that incredible art can come from deep pain and is an integral part of change.

No justice, no peace.