Mexican artist and graffiti artist Paola Delfin turned one of the walls in the Lebanese capital into a huge “canvas”, depicting the 80-year friendship between Lebanon and Mexico.
The project entitled “From Mexico to Lebanon: Mural for Peace” was carried out with the support of the Mexican Embassy in Beirut and the mayor’s office of Jounieh district.
On the side wall of a multi-story building in the northern part of Beirut, the artist created a large-scale image – two female portraits, symbolizing Lebanon and Mexico. Between them are depicted a Lebanese cedar and a Mexican cactus, which, according to the author, reflect “the friendship and spiritual closeness of the two peoples.” “Art is a bridge on which the identity and history of nations are built,” Dolphin said in an interview with Anadolu Agency.
The artist noted that she drew inspiration from the historical ties between the two countries. “I wanted this work to be a sign of respect for our friendship, shared history and cultural affinity,” she said.
The mural also reflected the history of the first Lebanese who immigrated to Mexico, Delphine said. Inspired by the work of famed Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, Delphine described her work as “a story of resilience and hope.” “Lebanese and Mexicans have a lot in common. We are united by an outlook on life, fortitude in the face of difficulties and, most importantly, deep family values,” she noted.
The artist emphasized that art is “a driving force for social change.” “When we combine the culture and art of two peoples, a truly strong connection is born between us,” the artist explained.
According to her, the mural was an attempt to “expand the vision of resilience and hope” and bring to Lebanese soil the tradition of monumental painting that formed in Mexico after the 1910 Revolution.
Dolphin said that she plans to live between Mexico and Lebanon and will soon implement a new, smaller art project in the southern province of An-Nabatiyeh. “I have deep respect for the soulfulness of the Lebanese and Middle Eastern people and hope to continue telling their stories through the voice of a Mexican artist,” she concluded.