“When I designed this wall, I wanted a visitor to Saint Lucia to have an idea of who we are as a people,” Alwyn St. Omer, designer of the mural says.
The artist said he is hoping that the wall serves as a symbol of national unity and national pride. He also hopes that Saint Lucians especially see the wall as more of an apolitical symbol – “it’s not a Flambeau thing or a Labour thing.”
The close to 100-foot wall brings a sense of vibrancy to a community that makes the news mostly for the wrong reasons. While many walls are built to divide, the artistic work-in-progress spearheaded by St. Omer seeks to bring people together in unity and peace. “We’re hoping that after the drawing stage is done, I would like to give some of the talented young people the opportunity to work with me on this wall,” St. Omer said.”
The new mural was achieved through the invaluable assistance of corporate clients who helped in cash or kind and the Ministry of the Creative Industries. Collectively, their contributions helped towards achieving this Landmark Artistic Venture of Art in Public Spaces and assisted in creating employment, working toward the unity of our people and, by extension, the beautification of the City of Castries.
The main artists are Alwyn St Omer and Sabrina Romulus with supporting artists Tyrone Steel and Julio St Omer. Painting the mural also involves the assistance of a crew of scaffolding assistants, Martin Louis and Owen Andrew, among the many. Working on the wall, at sometimes great heights and in traffic, would not be possible if not for their help, constantly positioning and re-positioning the scaffolding to allow painting.
The concept for the new mural is centered on National Unity and Peace. Sir John Compton, Sir George Charles and the national flag are central figures surrounded by illustrations representing outstanding St Lucians, historic events, agriculture and tourism, based on the theme of St Lucia’s National Motto, “The Land, the People, the Light”.
