How art workshops united migrant women and girls in Madrid
Spain | Together with artist and Royal Talens Spain colleague Pilar Barrios Varela, fifteen migrant women and girls created four beautiful ‘Vertical Gardens’. During the process they found strength, confidence and support with each other. This is how they did it.
Crafting ‘Vertical Gardens’ with paper
In eight sessions the participants created four big ‘Vertical Gardens’ (100 x 70 cm) made with coloured paper on painted cardboard bases. It was taught by illustrator Pilar Barrios Varela, specialized in paper art and engineering. The finished works were exhibited at the headquarters of the Colombian Embassy in Madrid.
Each workshop they discussed colour theory, composition, inspirations and techniques with paper and art. They also talked about the creative process itself and the ability to have ideas and materialize them with our own hands and some simple materials. It really is impressive!
Building community and confidence through art
The women and girls are all residents of San Cristóbal, a neighbourhood in Madrid. They come from different Latin American, African and Middle Eastern countries, all populations at high risk of social exclusion.
The workshop offered a safe space for the participants where they shared conversations, concerns and laughter. They felt welcomed and took great pleasure in learning new techniques and expressing themselves artistically. During the workshop they even discovered a new talent within themselves and found a strong motivation to continue creating.
Above all, they created a sense of community. The group mentioned that they gained strength, confidence and well-being within this team. Together they shared much needed support, company and affection.
About the organisation
The workshops were an initiative of FLIPAS, Urban Cultures Laboratory, who connect many international and local artists in residencies, such as Pilar Barrios Varela, and organise workshops for children and teens in Madrid and surroundings. The workshops were held in Casa San Cristóbal, a space of the Montemadrid Foundation for multiculturalism and integration through education, culture and solidarity. The project was brought to life with the products of Royal Talens Spain.
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