Mexican muralist making art out of migrants’ experiences

Mexican artist and muralist, Enrique Chiu, has been giving his right arm to social awareness about migration, using his creative talent in portraying survivors.

‏He has also been putting a spotlight on the different experiences of migrants, using his art.

‏Chiu, currently on a visit to Egypt, is bringing his thoughts and art to the Arab country.

‏These thoughts and this art are showcased in the ‘Migrant Humanity’ project.

‏His visit is part of the cultural programme of the Mexican Embassy in Egypt for 2022.

‏Mexican Ambassador to Egypt, Jose Octavio Tripp, along with International Organisation for Migration (IOM’s) Chief of Mission to Egypt, Laurent de Boeck, inaugurated the project at the Greek Campus in downtown Cairo.

‏Attending the inauguration ceremony was a host of public figures and senior officials from Egypt.

‏An exhibition started on the sidelines of the project, containing 52 paintings and photos by Chiu.

‏The paintings and photos capture the different mood swings and experiences of migrants.

‏The event also includes the airing a documentary about Chiu’s vision and experiences in relation to migration.

‏The documentary is called ‘A World without Walls’.

‏Ambassador Tripp said the project 
aims to raise public awareness about the positive contributions that migrants make in society.

‏”Migrants make many positive impacts,” Ambassador Tripp told The Egyptian Gazette.

‏”Egypt and Mexico are important references for countries in dealing generously with migrants,” he added.

‏Chiu is the most outstanding figure among the creators of the Mural De La Hermandad (Brotherhood Mural), a collaborative mural painting by thousands of volunteers, artists and community groups.

‏The mural won widespread admiration.

‏”Through art you can deliver any message to make people feel and understand,” Chiu said. “This is not about migrants in Mexico because there are migrants all over the world.”

‏Chiu has so far held his exhibition in six countries, including Spain, Germany and the US.

‏He selected Egypt to be the first Arab country to display his art.

‏”I do art for everyone,” Chiu said. “I have a message to share.”