In El Salvador, a new 13-meter tall mural, dubbed the "Salvadoran Mona Lisa," now adorns Building 88 in San Salvador. Venezuelan artist Óscar Olivares led the project, utilizing over 100,000 recycled plastic lids to create the striking image. The artwork reimagines Leonardo da Vinci's iconic portrait with a local interpretation, symbolizing the strength of ordinary citizens.
The project involved extensive community collaboration, with waste pickers, volunteers, and local organizations contributing to the collection and classification of the plastic lids. The materials were used in their original colors, making the selection process integral to the art.
Olivares, known for his large-scale works using recycled materials, has previously completed similar projects in numerous countries. This Salvadoran mural marks his largest to date and is part of a vision to transform the Zacamil sector into an open-air museum. The initiative highlights the power of collective action and environmental consciousness in public art.