Educational Media Reviews Online

Murals documents the creation of an unusual art exhibition in Barcelona, Spain. In 2009, the Joan Miro Foundation funded a murals exhibition. The artists invited came from around the world and represented diverse cultures and artistic styles. A building was used for the exhibit which allocated mainly interior walls to 12 different groups of artists. Each wall was initially painted a neutral white color. The artists were then encouraged to create murals that represented their artistic styles and cultures.

Artists are shown arriving from all around the world. Mural painting women from Djajiloine Soninke, Mauritania, receive the largest share of film time. This group of women is representative of the many Soninke women who decorate the walls of their adobe homes with beautiful murals. The adventures the women have en route and their work is well documented in the film. The organic way in which this group of artists work and how they allow their design to develop contrasts nicely with the work of solitary artists who follow a much more meticulous and even high tech approach to creating their art. Brian Rea from the United States develops a totally different mural based on words. Thai artist Sakarin Krue-On and Mexican artist Veronimo Hagerman create murals from different traditions and using different techniques. Nuria and Eltono represent the host country Spain. Visitors and viewers are treated to an amazing variety of beautiful murals which would require extensive travel to see in their native regions.

In a surprising and somewhat poignant moment the ending of the film shows the destruction of all the murals at the end of the festival and the preparation of the walls for other uses. Although this appears to destroy artwork several of the artists mention that murals are by nature a transient type of art that are frequently created and then destroyed, sometimes even to allow other murals to be painted on the same surfaces.

This film is one of a very few that depicts such a high number of mural styles from so many different cultural backgrounds. Not strictly an instructional film, Murals generates inspiration for many artistic endeavors and educates audiences about an art form that is not usually a film topic. The juxtaposition of the different artists and the fragmentary nature in which the work of each mural’s artists are depicted makes for a somewhat confusing film. It is unclear why an inordinate amount of attention is paid to some of the artists and a lack of attention paid to others. Due to the beauty, cultural diversity presented, and the unusual topic, a rating of highly recommended is awarded. This film is a very valuable addition to art programs at almost any level of education and for any artist looking for inspiration. Architects and decorators can also benefit from the creativity this film inspires. The datedness of a 2009 event is a negative, but is offset by the timeless and contemporary relevance of the subject which is depicted.