Graffiti transforms Conakry’s walls into canvases for change
Leading the movement is Omar “Chimère” Diaw, a Senegalese-born graffiti artist who has helped turn Conakry’s gray concrete walls into vibrant expressions of identity
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00:00Once dismissed as vandalism, graffiti in Guinea's capital has taken on a new identity, one of creativity, awareness and civic pride.
00:09At the heart of this transformation is Omar Shimer-Diel, a Senegalese-born graffiti artist who moved to Conakry in 2018 and helped spark a street art revolution.
00:21It was thought that graffiti was vandalism, something used to insult, but we came here with graffiti as something to raise awareness.
00:36So we had to seduce the population before creating graffiti as such to denounce or demand.
00:44Through its collective, Guinea Gatograph, Diel, uses proline murals to tell stories of history, culture and hope.
01:00The accessibility of graffiti makes it very effective for conveying messages.
01:09Imagine, if you want to rally people, you make a murale where thousands pass by each day.
01:17People will understand because beauty attracts.
01:25Gels' art has been embraced not only by residents, but also by local authorities who sees his work as part of Conakry's urban identity.
01:33For many residents, the murale has rekindled a connection for their roots.
01:42It really touches our hearts to see these paintings.
01:46It reminds us of old Guinean musicians.
01:49It reminds us of history.
01:51Graffiti is good for Africa.
01:52It is good for this country.
01:54It is good for everyone.
01:55I like it and it's changed the face of our city.
01:59From images of freedom fighters to tribute to music legends,
02:04Diel's canvases have transformed the walls of Conakry into symbols of unity and renewal,
02:12bringing color, consciousness and community spirit to a city once seen only in shades of gray.
02:19This is a lot of people who also count on the caregiver in Sh swarm request Mensch,
02:22industry development,
02:24making things visible to demons in places just happen just for your family,
02:25try to take another picture of theiratchedstreetstreetstreetstreetrata.
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