Argentinian plastic artist and muralist Mariela Ajras’s work focuses on the theme of memory and the problematic issue of feminine identity in contemporary subjects. Her mural for Beyond Walls in Lynn (MA) brings the idea of community and togetherness to the forefront of the locals conscious.
About the Mural
Mariela’s original plan for the mural was to work with the community of women who live in the centre for young women of Lynn. After positive discussions with the centre’s director Lisa Conolly, Mariela’s was excited to spend an afternoon with the residents, converse with them and learn about their respective journeys. Unfortunately at first the artist encountered some resistance to her plans and had to show something I lack, patience.
As Mariela explained to us “I decided to wait, I sat down with my dinner and just smiled. Eventually, Audrey, the eldest resident in the house, a 93-years-old lady who had lived in Lynn for the past 4 decades, decided to join me. We started talking and sharing. She was lovely and suddenly, very interested in thinking about what to portray in this wall. It didn’t take much longer for the other residents to feel contagious and start participating too”
This afternoon spend in the company of these ladies, “chatting and laughing, dinning and singing around the piano” left Mariela in no doubt as how to proceed with her mural. Community, sorority would be the theme and after seeing the women hugging, the artist decided to use an image of two women embracing as a representation of this moment.
The theme of sorority was in full effect once Mariela started to paint the mural as the women she had spent time with gathered around her and cheered her on through the inclement weather. Incredible heat, a flood, high winds and yet more heat were not enough to stop these ladies supporting each other through the process.
“The amazing thing about painting murals is that of having the actual experience of what you are painting and by this I mean, to feel the sorority around me as I was painting it. By the end of the process I was already part of this badass crew of powerful women who stood next to me everyday till the end. My biggest appreciation goes to Lisa Conolly and Belkis for their unconditional support and love. this mural becomes an excuse to allow people to connect, gather, signify their stories and the bonding with one another. and me, I am transformed by each every time”
About the Artist
Mariela Ajras is a Plastic Artist & Muralist from Argentina. Since 2012, she has travelled as a large-scale muralist, having the opportunity to travel to countries in Europe (Spain, Italy, Belgium, Germany) and Latin America (Mexico, Colombia, Uruguay) invited to participate in various festivals of Urban Art.
About the Festival
Beyond Walls are a creative placemaking non profit based in Lynn, Massachusetts. Their mission is to activate space to strengthen communities. Beyond Walls partners with local organizations, municipalities, community members and expert consultants to design, produce and manage projects and programs that infuse public art and creative experiences into underutilized or overlooked spaces.
Beyond Walls uses grassroots efforts to promote stronger, more vibrant, and inclusive communities. Through our projects and programming, we are committed to retaining the voice, integrity, and pride of area residents.
Mariela Ajras: website | Instagram | facebook
Beyond Walls: website | Instagram |facebook
