The principles of tolerance and religious coexistence are inscribed on Cotonou’s walls as part of what is set to become one of the biggest murals in the world. Thecolourful street art is a graphic manifestation of President Patrice Talon’s messages of peace and national unity.Twelvemen and women seen from behind, standing with their arms around each other, peacefully gazing at the sky – or perhaps it’s the future they see before them. Twelve people, as in the twelve counties of Benin. This is
famous Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra’s mural, unveiled on 3 May in Cotonou.
Covering 525 square metres on the wall of what used to be the Hotel du Port, it extends an invitation to passers by to ‘walk together’. Graffiti artist Kobra explains that it symbolises “respect for diverse beliefs and the need for peaceful coexistence”. The work features elements of Kobra’s signature patch work style.
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