Ecuador | 2024 | Murals, Street Art

Manta rays and squid on a huge wall

In Manta, an artist and community members collaborate to create a mosaic mural illustrating the marine wealth of the Manteña culture, in a pre-Columbian style. This artistic and participatory project aims to highlight maritime history and the local marine ecosystem while actively involving residents in its creation.

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A maritime heritage to protect

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Marine and coastal spaces play a vital role in Ecuador, both for biodiversity and the local economy. Manta, one of the country’s main fishing ports, has relied on the ocean for its development for centuries. However, pollution and intensive exploitation of the ressources threaten these ecosystems. The city has launched the “Manta x los océanos” initiative, organizing underwater and beach cleanups with hundreds of volunteers each year.

Artist
Ángel Rafael García Gómez

Partners
Municipality of Manta, AFD, Chamber of Commerce of Manta, local organizations

Participants
Residents of Manta, children, teenagers, members of the fishing sector

Agency
AFD Ecuador

An artwork that simbolizes both the ecuatorian marine biodiversity and identity

The mosaic mural was installed in the Megaparque “Centenario Agustín Intriago.”, a recently renovated green space facing the sea and a new meeting place for all the city’s residents. Made with ceramic tiles, it will depict local marine fauna in the iconographic style of the Manteña culture. The project involves around fifty people, including children, teenagers, and stakeholders in the fishing industry.

Artist Ángel Rafael García Gómez lead the work with three assistants. The process included workshops where participants learnt to assemble the mosaic, strengthening a lasting link between art, conservation, and cultural heritage.