For decades, political murals have been a powerful tool to spread awareness and motivate people to act. From the civil rights movement to anti-war rallies, artists have used murals to share their political views and call for action. In fact, some political murals have even become so iconic that they have been featured in crossword puzzles, such as the “art of public speaking crossword clue.” Read on as we look at some of the most well-known political murals from across the globe.
Berlin Wall Mural
The Cold War came to be symbolically represented by the Berlin Wall, which gained widespread worldwide recognition. Muralists began adorning the remaining sections of the wall with their work in 1989, the same year that the wall was dismantled. The East Side Gallery is the section of the Berlin Wall that is still standing the longest, and it is decorated with over a hundred murals created by artists from all over the world.
Paintings in Belfast’s Troubled Past
Belfast, located in Northern Ireland, has a long history of displaying political murals. During the Troubles, which occurred in the latter half of the 20th century and included conflict between Irish nationalists and unionists, some murals were created. Some of the issues shown on the murals that can be seen in Belfast today have political prisoners, pleas for peace, and other political concerns.
The Chapel of the Sistine
In addition to being an outstanding example of Renaissance art, the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City is home to one of the most famous paintings on the subject of politics in the whole world. The paintings on the chapel ceiling, which Michelangelo was responsible for, depict scenes from the book of Genesis. In one of these images, God is shown as creating Adam, which has been seen as a political statement about the pope’s position of power in the church.
Palestinian Wall Paintings
The West Bank and the Gaza Strip are home to some of the political murals that have had the most significant impact on people throughout the globe. Some canvases express their support for the Palestinian people and call for an end to the Israeli government’s persecution. One of the most well-known pieces of street art is a painting by Banksy called “Banksy Wall,” which depicts a girl being lifted into the air by balloons.
Wall Paintings in the Motor City
The city of Detroit is home to some of the most outstanding examples of street art in the world, including political murals that confront complex issues such as police brutality, poverty, and injustice. These murals can be seen all around the city. One of the most well-known murals in Detroit is called “The Illuminated Mural,” and with good reason: its bright and colorful design is meant to resemble the night sky.
Conclusion
Artists have long used political murals to express their political ideas and create change in their communities. Whether painted on the Berlin Wall or the West Bank, political murals have always played an essential part in the larger context of the worldwide political scene. These murals serve as a daily reminder that art can influence good change around the globe.
