Ornamental Turtle: A Collaborative Mural in Lynn
This summer I had the privilege of taking part in a truly special project in Lynn, Massachusetts, thanks to Beyond Walls, an organization that drives collaborative art initiatives to transform public spaces and strengthen the social fabric of communities.
I joined a group of seven artists from Argentina, Italy, the United States, and myself representing Spain, all united by a common goal: to transform conversations with students into murals that bring their voices to the streets through the Classroom to the Streets program. Over several weeks, we worked side by side with local teachers and students, sharing experiences, concerns, and dreams, and then transforming those conversations into a mural that would speak about them and their city. One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was seeing graduating students play an active role in the painting process itself.
During our sessions, one central theme kept coming up: the cultural diversity that defines Lynn, a city where more than half of the population is immigrant. We wanted to celebrate that richness of origins and backgrounds on the wall, while also bringing a sense of positivity to counter the perception of insecurity in certain neighborhoods. That’s why we chose to work with vibrant, joyful colors, capable of radiating energy and vitality.
Another inspiration came from a student who spoke with so much passion about her love for flowers that I knew I had to include them in the design. Each flower became a symbol of a continent: a rose for America, a protea for Africa, and a lotus flower for Asia.
True to my style, which blends nature with ornamental details, I felt the mural needed a marine animal at its center, something connected to the nearby ocean and the local biodiversity. We ultimately chose the sea turtle, which to me was the perfect symbol: a migratory creature that travels great distances, always carrying its home on its back. It reflects the journey of so many people who have built new communities in Lynn, finding a place where they can belong. Its shell also represents the strength and protection that the Lynn community offers to those who arrive.
For me, this mural is much more than just paint on a wall. It’s a reflection of diversity, hope, and the warmth of a city that opens itself to the world. I feel deeply grateful to have contributed to this project with Beyond Walls and to all the incredible people who were part of the process.
