Mural complete! "Semiá na Terra de Fernand Pó"

After lots of hard work, we completed the Sao Vicente mural! It features on the right a "mendinga," which is a popular figure during Carnaval-- people put black oil all over their bodies and dress as traditional hunters, and run around the streets growling and dancing! Also included is the local community's unique dance of São João, which includes a woman dressed as a gypsy dancing beside a man, who plays percussion on the floor. The left side of the mural features some of the community center's activities-- flute and violin classes. Also included are local houses, plants, and a variety of brightly- colored designs and spray paint techniques.

Me, Va and Alex in front of the finished mural.

Mendinga!!

The dance of São João

detail

detail pic showing the incorporation of the kids' artwork

detail

Off to Mindelo, São Vicente!

For my last 2 weeks in Cape Verde, I headed to another island called São Vicente, known as the heart of Cape Verdean culture and art. Accompanying me was the project assistant (and my good friend!) Alex Carvalho. I was immediately blown away by the beautiful city with a great vibe, and loved it at first sight! We began work quickly at the youth community center Centro Juvenil, located in the economically depressed neighborhood of Ribeira de Craquinha. We met with the local to discuss the imagery that they would like to paint on the wall. Like the youth project in Praia, local children and teens covered the wall with drawings and writings in order to create an interesting background for the mural, full of vibrant creativity! They loved it!

view from the sea

of one Mindelo's hillside communities

the kids letting loose on the wall!

before long it was covered!

local kids

me painting up top as locals watch

 view from above of the wall almost complete