Bee Together
Completed: 2018“I have always had an interest in public art in modern day communities. I believe art and its message should be accessible to everyone, not just people who can afford a ticket into a gallery. Having my work public is not only inclusive to all but is better fit as my work is ultimately inspired by the diversity of the community itself. As an artist who has always drawn inspiration from my community, I want my work to be another reason to bring people together. My work is very graphic. I use limited colour palettes and focus primarily on a strong concept, composition, and graphic shape. As a practicing screenprinter, I naturally work in layers. When I execute my murals I work colour by colour. I want my work to demonstrate strength in community. As a first generation Canadian with a Syrian
background, I would like to see my art contribute to Canada’s Cultural mosaic.
This mural is meant to activate our imagination about a species so vital to our ecosystem and so often ignored for economic and technical advances.
In my conceptual design I challenge the viewers experience through scale and dimension. Through the illusion of flight and colour, I challenge the perception of reality, as I question how surreal it actually is. With negative space in transparent wings, I represent both the source of their survival and path to extinction. Through scale and dimension, I flip the table on intimidation, ultimately putting myself, and the community around me in a lesser position of power, amongst the swarm of survival.”
Text taken from yycbump.ca
Part of YYC BUMP (Beltline Urban Murals Project)
Funded by TD Canada Trust
For more information on this mural visit:
http://www.natalienehlawi.com/creative-projects/bump-mural-project-2018
Where to Find This Mural
Location: 10th Avenue Southwest & 12th Street Southwest, Calgary, Alberta, Canada Get Directions
