For the fifteenth stage of the global artwork “Beyond Walls” in Rio de Janeiro, Saype strives to bridge the impassable distance between Benin (tenth stage of the project) and Brazil. Thus allowing those who left across the ocean never to return, to feel again the desperate embrace of those who saw them drift away forever… from African origin to American destination, from light to night, from freedom to slavery.
The giant eco responsible landart paintings by Saype were created on the Estàcio favela (825m2) and Copacabana beach (1.500m2). These two artworks were created using natural pigments made out of charcoal and chalk. “Beyond Walls” global project aims to links more than 30 cities over the world to promote the message of togetherness.
Beyond walls erected by people between people, Saype went to meet the local communities in the Estacìo favela.
Between the postcard image of Copacabana, which nevertheless bears the tragic marks of history, and the favela, the gigantic hands of “Beyond Walls” strive to overcome the fractures of the past as well as those that are still very present. They remind us that it is only through cooperation that walls fall down and that the universal becomes a reality: “the universal is the local minus the walls” (Miguel Torga).
In an increasingly polarised world, the artist chooses to paint symbolically the largest human chain in the world, inviting us to embrace kindness and togetherness, this is the “Beyond Walls” project. Pairs of hands, which intertwine and travel from town to town, and form a giant chain painted on the ground symbolising union, mutual aid, and common effort beyond walls.
Check out below for more photos of “Beyond Walls” project in Rio de Janeiro.
Photo credits: Saype
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