Hope and Peace in Street Art: The Story Behind Graffiti Creations

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In 2012, I came to the minaret of Jaramosque in my hometown of Gabbes, Tunisia, not expecting that graffiti would attract so much attention in the city. At first, I only came to express myself after the war in my home. I remembered my first encounter with the minaret and how it inspired me to start painting. I wanted to create art that conveyed a meaningful message, not just a sketch. From the beginning, I felt it was challenging to express something significant on this monumental structure, but it became a turning point for my artistic journey.

Each piece I create carries messages in my unique style, a blend of graffiti and mural art. I often include quotes or portraits, aiming to convey universal values. For the minaret, I focused on delivering the strongest possible message, one that promoted life, tolerance, and acceptance. I wanted the artwork to connect with viewers on a deeper level, inspiring them to reflect on humanity and shared values. Observing how the community interacts with public spaces helped me refine my approach and understand the impact of visual communication.

One important lesson I learned was that small, local actions can carry profound messages. For example, during the pandemic, messages about health and safety were embedded into public artworks, guiding cultural practices and collective understanding. Art can act as a bridge, uniting people even in times of crisis, and offering hope through shared visual narratives. The local community often engages with these works, interpreting them in ways that resonate with their personal experiences.

As I continued my journey, I realized the importance of language and communication. Learning Arabic allowed me to connect more deeply with local audiences, conveying ideas more authentically. I was motivated by the reactions I witnessed—people feeling seen, understood, and inspired by the messages embedded in the art. This reinforced my belief that graffiti and street art are powerful tools for storytelling and cultural exchange.

Eventually, my projects extended beyond local spaces, reaching wider audiences. I felt proud of representing my culture while also exploring universal themes. Through my artwork, I hoped to challenge stereotypes and promote understanding across different communities. Each mural became not just a visual piece, but a medium for dialogue, empathy, and a shared sense of humanity.