At the Sant Pau Campus of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), renowned artist Sebastien Waknine dedicated five weeks to creating a striking mural that honors the experiences of migrants and refugees, placing their stories and struggles at the center of this powerful work of art.
Titled “Learning from Migrants and Refugees,” the mural is more than a visual masterpiece – it is a socially engaged artwork that seeks to raise awareness of the global refugee crisis. Inspired by research and discussions surrounding the plight of displaced communities, with a special focus on Syrian migrants affected by war, the mural transforms personal and collective stories of migration into a visual narrative that speaks to empathy, resilience, and humanity.
Waknine’s artwork stretches across a 7-meter wide by 3-meter high canvas, demonstrating both technical mastery and emotional depth. The project was realized with the support of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and AV Drop, whose modular backdrop system provided a flexible and reliable platform for the mural’s creation, allowing the artist to fully realize his vision.
Human Rights for Migrants and Refugees
This mural is not only a striking artistic achievement but also a powerful call for reflection and dialogue on pressing global issues such as migration, inclusion, and human rights. By placing migrants and refugees at the heart of the composition, the artwork invites viewers to engage deeply with their experiences — to see them not as distant statistics but as real people with stories of resilience, courage, and hope. It encourages a broader conversation about the social, cultural, and humanitarian contributions of displaced communities, highlighting the importance of empathy, understanding, and collective responsibility in addressing the challenges of our time.
For further insights and a closer look at the creative process, follow the Instagram accounts: @sebastienwaknine | @chica_3161
