An image of hands joined in prayer with a dangling stethoscope covers the wall of a large hospital in Sao Paulo. The pandemic inspired many artists in this Brazilian city which has become the capital of “street art” in Latin America, reported Agence France Press (AFP).
Sao Paolo, a city of 12 million people, returned to life after months of lockdown due to the pandemic, which inspired many local artists to spread their colors on the walls of a city that has turned into an “open air museum” since the 1990s.
The mural “unites science with faith in the face of a growing antiscience movement, showing that there is no contradiction between them,” said artist Eduardo Kobra, who drew the mural on the largest hospital in the city.
“It is very important at this time to spread a message of faith and hope, so people know they are not alone; this is the role of art,” noted the 47-year-old artist known for his prominent works in Sao Paulo.
In another mural, Priscila Barbosa portrayed a nurse with a cap and mask holding some flowers, in reference to the ‘Flowers for Heroes’ campaign which honored healthcare workers in the United States, in 2020.
“At a time when little was known about COVID, she was a source of light, someone capable of bringing relief,” explained Barbosa, who inspires her works from women who had major roles in Latin American revolutions.
Waldir Grisolia also created a mural depicting a nurse holding white roses that symbolize peace. “It seemed important to me to contribute. Since I am not a doctor, I used art and made this mural,” she said.
