Spanish artist XAV was invited to paint his largest mural to date in Kiev (Ukraine) by Art United Us. Due to Racism the artist was forced to stop for a few days, with keeping in mind that this mural was the last mural Art United Us hosted before this initiative concluded.
About The Mural
The 20-Story high mural depicts a little boy laughing, a great cry of joy and love. The work is devoted to the ability to enjoy simple things, the desire to see a half full glass, and not half empty, that, having nothing, you can have everything…
However, realization of this mural was not easy: the swing stage lift was installed for a half of the section that forced the artist to separate the painting into two parts. Furthermore the surface wasn’t totally flat and the weather was rainy and windy at times.
Finally, some neighbors weren’t totally happy about the subject of the mural, including the former deputy head of the National Police who happen to be a resident of the building, not appreciating the color of the child’s skin and calling him a monkey. For this deplorable behavior, unfortunately, the mural was interrupted for a few days before it was completed.
About The Artist
Javier Robledo aka XAV is a Spanish tattoo artist and has recently become interested in muralism. He was born in Gijón (Asturias) and was passionate about painting and drawing since his childhood. He became active in the world of graffiti when he was 14 years old. XAV does not have any formal art education and his artistic style is realistic. He won several prizes in graffiti competitions in different parts of Spain.
About Art United Us
Art United Us is an international project that collaborates through artistic and creative mediums with communities to raise public awareness and attention to the problem of war, aggression and violence. The project started in Kiev, Ukraine in the beginning of 2016, is planning to complete 200 walls during the next 2 years throughout the world and without boundaries. Art United Us is curated by Geo Leros and Iryna Kanishcheva.
Art United Us comes to an end after almost 2 years. The project has achieved its main goal, attracted a lot of attention, and raised awareness on the war in Ukraine among other things. It has produced 50 murals involving many big names.
Iryna and Geo will pursue other projects independently.
Images by Iryna Kanishcheva and @Dronarium
