SIRAMURAL
Mural Painting | Study Abroad
2024
During my three-month study abroad in Italy, my class and I collaborated on a large-scale mural at the Syracuse Sicily Soccer Stadium, a central hub of community and team spirit. Over two weeks, with guidance from a local mural artist , Carlo Alberto Giardina, we went out in the community to gather ideas and get a better understanding of what the soccer stadium means to the people of Syracuse.
GOAL & SOLUTION
Our goal was to create a cohesive design that visually represents the passion and unity of Syracuse. For my contribution, I painted two clasped hands—a powerful symbol of the deep connection between the team and its supporters. The interplay of light and dark tones reflects balance, reminiscent of the yin-yang symbol for harmony. I opted for a minimalist composition to ensure the focus remained on the emotional strength and unity that define this community. I fell in love with Syracuse while I was living there. Giving back to such an incredible community was rewarding and a life changing experience. This project reinforced my belief in the power of design to tell meaningful stories and bring people together.
PROCESS WORK
As a team, we drew inspiration from the people, landscape, art, culture, and food that surrounded us. I interviewed students and local shopkeepers to better understand their lives and experiences in Syracuse, which helped ground the project in real, personal stories. We gathered a wide range of ideas, and the artist Carlo brought them together into a cohesive design through collage. The next six days were spent cleaning and prepping the wall, followed by painting the mural itself. After finishing my portion, I jumped in to support others, helping them complete their sections within the short timeline we had.
