The symphony of art

In this blog, we'll be sharing our experiences and insights from a series of art classes guided by Naim, where we explored our creativity and let our imagination grow. Through various techniques and mediums, we discovered new ways to express ourselves and bring our ideas to life. Join us as we reflect on the lessons learned, the art created, and the connections made during this journey of self-discovery and growth.

MURALS

Definition

A mural is a form of visual art painted or applied directly on a large surface such as a wall, ceiling, or façade. Unlike framed artworks, murals are usually integrated with architecture, becoming a part of the space itself. Murals can take various forms paint, mosaic, or even mixed media and often carry a narrative or symbolic meaning.

Historical Context

Murals have a long and rich history that dates back to prehistoric times, when early humans painted animals and symbols on cave walls as a form of storytelling and communication. In ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome, murals decorated temples, tombs, and public buildings, often depicting religious or mythological scenes. During the Renaissance, murals reached new heights with the use of the fresco technique, as seen in Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, becoming a powerful tool for religious and cultural expression. In the 20th century, murals gained political significance, especially in Mexico after the Revolution, when artists like Diego Rivera used public walls to promote social justice and national identity. Since then, murals have evolved into a global form of public art used to protest, celebrate culture, and unite communities around shared experiences and values.

3. Key Characteristics of Murals

• Monumental Scale: Murals are typically large and visible from a distance.

• Public Accessibility: Often in open spaces, murals are meant for all audiences.

• Message-Driven: Murals usually convey ideas, history, culture, or protest.

• Site-Specific: They interact with the architecture and context of their location.

• Collaborative Creation: Many murals are community-based projects involving multiple artists or local groups.

• Aesthetic and Symbolic: Use vibrant colors, realism, surrealism, and symbolism.

4. Types of Murals

• Fresco: Traditional method using pigment on wet plaster (e.g., Renaissance churches).

• Graffiti/Street Art: Spray-painted, urban, often rebellious and expressive.

• Trompe-l’œil: Optical illusion technique to create three-dimensional effects.

• Mosaic Murals: Made with colored tiles or pieces of glass or stone.

• Digital Murals: Designed digitally and printed or projected on surfaces.

• Political/Social Murals: Created to promote ideologies, protest, or raise awareness.

5. Murals in the USA vs. Colombia: A Comparative View

In the United States:

• Influenced by Mexican muralism and the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

• Common themes: racial justice, anti-war protests, immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and feminism.

• Artistic styles often include graffiti, abstract forms, photorealism, and pop art.

• Frequently use spray paint, stencils, and street-art techniques.

• Often focused on individual artistic expression and urban culture.

• Notable artists: Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Shepard Fairey, Banksy (influence).

• Prominent cities: New York (Bushwick), Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco.

• Community murals exist but are often led by professional or independent artists.

 In Colombia:

• Strongly shaped by decades of armed conflict, social inequality, and displacement.

• Common themes: peacebuilding, historical memory, indigenous identity, women’s rights, and resistance.

• Styles are often symbolic, figurative, and deeply connected to Colombian landscapes and traditions.

• Typically painted with brushes and acrylics, sometimes incorporating mosaics.

• Serve as tools for healing, education, and community rebuilding, especially in post-conflict areas.

• Notable artists: Toxicómano, Guache, Ledania, Bastardilla, DJ LU.

• Prominent cities: Bogotá (especially La Candelaria and calle 26), Medellín (Comuna 13), Cartagena, Cali.

• Strong community participation, especially through local collectives, youth groups, and social movements.

Murals are more than just decoration, they are cultural artifacts, political tools, and mirrors of society. While the United States tends to emphasize individual artistic expression and urban activism, Colombian murals are deeply tied to community, memory, and healing, especially in the aftermath of armed conflict. Both, however, reveal the power of public art to communicate, educate, and transform.

THE USE OF MUSIC IN CLASS

Listening to Music in English Class While Doing Projects

There’s something truly pleasant about listening to music during English class while working on our projects; it changes the atmosphere. The classroom feels more relaxed with music, and the class feels lighter Everyone seems to be in their own creative world, brainstorming, producing or decorating posters, all with a rhythm in the background.

It’s funny how a good melody can turn a regular college assignment into something more enjoyable. Sometimes people is nodding their heads or mouthing the lyrics while working on a task or organizing thoughts. It adds a bit of joy and energy to what could otherwise be a quiet, stressful hour.

Besides, it helps us connect. We sometimes suggest songs to the teacher, and enjoy the music together. It makes the classroom feel more like a team space, where learning and fun go hand in hand.

So, while it may seem like a small thing, music in English class really makes a difference. It keeps the mood light, the minds focused, and the projects, somehow, a lot more amusing.