Mural painting on Chisinau apartment building

Chisinau witnessed its first project of outdoor mural painting on an apartment block, depicting the Solidarity Movement from Poland. The painting shows the movement’s leader Lech Walesa. According to authors, the project’s goal is to refresh the neighborhood and to promote urban art. Similar thematic paintings can be found in many cities in Eastern and Central Europe, Info-Prim Neo reports. The painted wall is of the block on Dacia Avenue, 28. The action is a result of the partnership between the Chisinau City Hall and the Polish Culture Institute in Bucharest. The painter is Rafal Roskowinski, a graduate of the National Superior School of Plastic Arts in Gdansk. Since 1992, he has been doing mural art. He was assisted by young painter Wojciech Wozniac, an adept of the Mural Art School in Gdansk, and by artist Alberto Svet from Chisinau. The realization of the picture was supported by the Urban Culture Institute of Gdansk and dye producer Caparol. Mayor of the capital Dorin Chirtoaca remarked that the presentation of the painting on such a symbolic date as July 6 was an honor. “Here, we can see a symbolical idea about solidarity, the union of people of good faith in the fight against a totalitarian regime. I think we should follow this example. We know well that Poland-born Pope John Paul II and Lech Walesa involved and managed to demolish the Communist regime in 1989”, said Chirtoaca. Gabriela Ciumac, head of the City Hall’s division for foreign relations, regional cooperation and European integration, said that there were 30 blocks proposed for the painting. “This one was chosen because it is placed near one of the biggest crossroads in the city. Technically, the walls are good and the place can be seen by many”, she explained. Rafal Roskowinski, one of the mural painters, says he enjoys the people in Chisinau and is open to future collaborations. “Painting isn’t history, but reality. You must never be afraid to experiment. People must learn about the values and symbols of the Solidarity Movement shown in this mural painting”, thinks the artist. Many tenants were surprised by the picture. They didn’t know their block would be painted and don’t see the need for it. The cost of the project rises to €5000.