SER ÁRBOL PARA LOS ÁRBOLES. MOSTAR, BOSNIA

“To be a tree for the trees. Be oak.”
This is the title of my last mural that I made for the Street Art Festival in Mostar, Bosnia. A special city, with a very special atmosphere.

In early September I have spent 10 days in Mostar, painting, walking and enjoying a lively and joyful city that very recently experienced a civil war that can be seen on every wall, on every corner. All the buildings are "adorned" with many bullet holes, as a souvenir, with which the inhabitants of Mostar coexist so as not to forget.

Being able to cross the city on foot every day was a gift. Going to the wall, going to eat, coming home, visiting the other artists ... there was always a new corner to walk through.


The location of my mural could not be different. An old house where today only one family lived on the lower floor. Surrounded completely by nature but located near the city center, a perfect and delicate environment, with much to tell on its own. This is why I decided to give great importance to the background and try to respect it as much as I could, trying to mix my work with the whole environment.

This was the final result:

To hold or support the oak, to be a tree for the trees.

In Latin “robur” means strength, but also oak.
Food and home for more species than any other.
Symbol of generosity and patience.
Hundreds of years to grow and up to fifty to flourish.

To be oak for the trees,
be oak.


Some details and photos about the process:

Thanks to the entire organization for the treatment, to the rest of the artists I met: Ricardo, Pelucas, and Medianeras ... for the good times, and to the people of Mostar for treating me so well.
Special thanks to Marina for all the work and making it possible.

It has been a pleasure and I hope to return soon!