Community Wall, Coyoacan, Latin America
FLIGHT
international Project • 2024
FLIGHT
A powerful composition featuring a hawk surrounded by smaller birds in flight, all adorned with decorative gold ring elements, painted on a community wall in Coyoacan. The piece celebrates Latin American biodiversity and the cultural significance of birds as symbols of freedom across the region.
Gallery
Artist's Note
“Working in Latin America connects me to a different artistic tradition — one where muralism isn't decoration but a form of public communication. This piece was my contribution to that tradition, using birds as messengers between the natural world and the community.”
— Rachel Dinda
Inspiration
The biodiversity of Latin American birdlife is staggering. Hawks and falcons hold special status in many indigenous traditions as guardians and visionaries. The gold ring elements reference the precious nature of these ecosystems and the urgency of protecting them.
The Process
I painted on an aged plaster wall that required careful surface preparation to accept paint without peeling. The birds were sketched in charcoal first, then built up with thin layers of acrylic. The gold elements were added with metallic paint applied with small brushes for precision, catching real sunlight as it moves across the wall throughout the day.
Community Impact
Local schoolchildren visit the mural regularly, and teachers use it to discuss conservation and cultural heritage. The wall's owner told me it has reduced tagging on adjacent surfaces — the community protects it.
Project Details
Location
Community Wall, Coyoacan, Latin America
Year
2024
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