While in Gambia, during Wide open walls project, I’ve been visiting and painting many villages.
In one of them, Bafaloto, I’ve been creating two paintings. One of them was just a writing saying “Gambia”, with a huge baobab as a background behind thewall.
GAMBIA. Bafaloto. 2011. Picture by Rowan.
As usual i had my kids gang cheering me up the with the vibe of jamaican reggae music. Before I started the wall, there were such as on many other part of the villages, names of jamaican singers. I loved how reggae seems to be part of everyday life and philosophy in this beautiful country.
GAMBIA. Reggae writings. Bafaloto. 2011
GAMBIA. Bafaloto. 2011
Beside the creation of murals, my friend and curator Ricky Gordon managed to turn an old abandoned coranic school into an Art place that Bafaloto’s kids and mothers have been decorating with great joy.
After a quick cleaning, in less than a couple of hours, the place just metamorphosed into a colour full space of creation. All the village took part into this hopefull happening. The process such as the result were just amazing to look at.
BAFALOTO ART SCHOOL PROJECT. Gambia. 2011. Pictures by Jonx Pillemer.
While all the kids and mothers were painting this place, I was doing my best to bring good to those people.
I painted a man beside a cow, picking up fruit, hoping it would work as a talisman, and bring food and positive energy to the village.
THE COW & THE MAN. BAfalot. GAMBIA. 2011. Picture by Sydelle W.Smith
THE MAN & THE COW. Gambia. 2011. Picture by Jonx Pillemer.
I especially like the part where the children and women are involved, also i like the idea & the written words: May it brings you Good. Abaraka.
Thank u Aicha! The experience was more than beautyful to me!! I m glad u got part of it! P E A C E
Remed
I came across your work via the new Mexican inspired street art for Wahaca in Southbank, London – and I love it!
I especially admire your work presented here in Gambia: your use of line, shape, pattern and colour are inspiring. You have made something very special for those communities to continue to enjoy. Well done! (and your typrography of the word ‘Gambia’ is particularly cool!)
I wish I had the talent (these days I mainly create conceptual Biomedical illustrations) and the opportunity to be able to paint murals like these… maybe one day…!
Cheers – Jas
TAKE YOUR CHANCE MY FRIEND. FIND TIME. DO.
Wish u good Jason !
P E A C E