The theme of this mural came up organically while discussing topics that matter to the students and on a large scale to the whole school. The title is “Build the bridge”. So most of the elements described in this mural convey the idea of unity as a solution to separation, hate, bullying, and fears that are generated when people build walls (instead of bridges). Most of the elements are a direct reproduction of what the students have been drawing during our sessions. Among what was mentioned above , we also discussed other topics that raise interest among the students. Common dreams of peace in a better world, personal dreams and goals, encouraging words to overcome personal fears and overall the feeling of being united while these young adults turn into the people of the future. The image of this mural represents three teenagers friends which the students identify with. They suggested the words on their clothing, as a motto to what their values are. In the background you can see the title “build a bridge” on a ribbon that wraps around the globe to represent “ the whole humanity. Along with that, on one side they wanted to have the building of the school with a welcoming sign, and on the right side the skyline of NYC to represent their identity. They used the wall as a platform to express themselves. During our sessions we explored the different aspects of street art as a form of communication. They have been making their own stickers and practicing their own name logo. So this wall is a reproduction of what a real wall would look like in the streets if they had the opportunity to express themselves on it.
