[PHOTOS] How 150 Artists Turned An Old Village Into A Spectacular Outdoor Art Gallery
In our FEEL GOOD FRIDAY column this week, we take you to the Tunisian island of Djerba (once known as the "island of dreams") which recently became a major street art hotspot, thanks to the project Djerbahood curated by artist Mehdi Ben Cheikh and the Galerie Itinerrance.
By Sadho Ram — 17 Oct 2014, 05:42 PM — Updated about 10 years ago
This past summer, the walls of Er-Riadh, a village on the island of Djerba off the coast of Tunisia, was transformed into an open-air art museum when 150 street artists from 30 different countries were invited to decorate the area with stunning works of graffiti
Once known as the “island of dreams,” Djerba is now one of Tunisia’s most popular tourist destinations. Scenic Er-Riadh, however, is off the tourist strip. Known for La Ghriba, Africa’s oldest synagogue, the village is a prominent pilgrimage site and home to a multicultural community.
nytimes.com
For the past two months, 150 artists from 30 nations have been busy in the village of Erriadh, one of the oldest in Tunisia. They have been covering its buildings, gates, windows — almost any flat surface — in murals, in hopes of enticing tourists and infusing the area with new life.
mashable.com
Before begining the project, 39-year-old Mehdi Ben Cheikh, founder of the French Galerie Itinerrance and organiser of the event, who didn't want to aggravate anyone, secured legal authorisation from the government and from private land owners
Ben Cheikh aimed to create a cultural crossroads here. “I wanted to do a project in Tunisia, but it was also a question of logistics,” he said. “I couldn’t send artists to the middle of nowhere. But also because Muslims, Christians and Jews have lived here in peace for the last 2,000 years or so. I’m not here to aggravate anyone, but to consolidate this aspect, which I find beautiful, and together with the natural beauty of the village, provides the artists with a unique canvas.” He claims it is the world’s first permanent street art project of its scale.
nytimes.com
While some homeowners have had a say in the artwork, others gave free rein to the artists, according to the New York Times
Tunisian women sit next to a mural by Portuguese artist Pantonio as part of 'Djerbahood.'
Image via mshcdn.comPainting began in June and was to continue to the beginning of September. The artists live in the village for a few days before the next group arrives. “At first, the locals didn’t really understand what I was trying to do,” Mr. Ben Cheikh said. “But this project isn’t about vandalism. It’s a real exhibition with a real scenography. I attribute the walls to the artists whose designs we approve together.”
nytimes.com
There are more than 100 pieces woven into the village fabric, from calligraphy by the French-Tunisian street artist eL Seed, whimsical figures by the British artist Phlegm, a hand of Fatima by Alexis Diaz from Puerto Rico, to thought-provoking phrases by the Peruvian Elliott Tupac.
nytimes.com
The artwork, however, isn't contained to the village. It extends across the arid landscape, close to the 18th-century Ben Ayed Palace and ruined prison a 10-minute drive away.
Murals by Brazilian artist Tinho (L) and Portuguese artist Pantonio (C) are part ofDjerbahood' in the village of Erriadh.
Image via mshcdn.com“I’d love to see the whole island of Djerba serve as a canvas for street art,” Mr. Ben Cheikh said. “I hope that the locals will keep the project alive by contributing to it after we leave.”
nytimes.com
The Er-Riadh project spawned some controversy when the Itinerrance team first arrived. But the locals have adapted. Anis Tannich, a 33-year-old resident, said: “It’s true that some inhabitants weren’t too happy about the artwork at first because it’s something they had never seen before, but most are now overjoyed. I’ve lived here all my life and for the first time people from all over the world are coming to our village. It’s something we can be proud of.”
nytimes.com
Below we list some of our favourites. To see the rest of the spectacular murals (over 150 of them!), check out Djerbahood.
