I flew to Haiti to paint in the capital Port-au-Prince for the 4th edition of the urban culture event FestiGraffiti. Haiti has been through widespread poverty and difficult times (lately: gas shortage and riots) and its people keep fighting for a better future.

I painted on a school three portraits of Haitian girls based on photographs by Maxence Bradley (left, right) and Fabrice Celony (middle portrait). I love how the girls look intensively at the audience, with pride and determination. The design was supposed to include many more elements (masks and outfits from the traditional carnival), sadly the wall owner didn’t let me paint the full design.

Big thanks to the FestiGraffiti team for organising despite the complicated context, to the volunteers and everyone I met during my trip.

“In their Eyes 2” – Zabou – Port-au-Prince, Haiti – 2019

Photo credit: (1) Unknown, All others: Zabou

This year the Cheltenham Paint Festival teamed up with the Literature Festival to celebrate their 70th anniversary, making it the world’s oldest literature festival. I decided to paint a portrait of Shakespear’s Hamlet, when the character recites his famous ‘to be or not to be’ monologue, wondering about his own existence and death. Hamlet is seen holding the skull and looking at it with sadness, while flowers are growing around it. Thanks to the organisers of the festival and Gustavo my model.

“Hamlet” – Zabou – 4x5m – Cheltenham, UK – 2019

Photo credit: Zabou

For the second edition of Eternelles Crapules festival, about 15 artists are invading the city of Moûtiers in France to create large-scale murals and graffiti pieces. I painted on the town’s book and media library a very special piece – it’s upside down! Using the triangular shape of the roof as the cover of the book, the mural shows a woman reading peacefully, lying in the grass and dandelions. Thanks to Maëlle and Lucas, the organisers, and to my model Audrey!

“Le Monde A L’Envers” – Zabou – 8x9m – Moûtiers, France – 2019

Photo credit: Zabou

I recently travelled to Würzburg in Germany, a lovely Bavarian city with beautiful architecture. I was invited by the restaurant ‘Frida‘ to paint a Frida Kahlo themed mural on the outside walls. I depicted Frida, looking away, smoking (based on a photography by Bernard Silberstein) surrounded by the decor of her ‘Casa Azul’ in Mexico.

“Frida & Her Blue House” – Zabou – 3,5mxVarious – Würzburg, Germany – 2019