This mural by Blu in the Rebibbia neighborhood of Rome delivers a powerful and uncompromising critique of the ongoing violence in Palestine. Centered on the devastating human toll of the conflict, the artwork portrays two children struggling under the weight of a massive golden snake. The serpent, built from bullets, tanks, grenades, and weapons, symbolizes the machinery of war fueled by greed and power, while its body glitters with coins—an unmistakable reference to the economic and political interests perpetuating the violence.
The two children at the heart of the mural embody resilience and hope amidst tragedy. On the left, a boy pushes against the serpent's golden tail, disintegrating coins that stack into oil barrels—a striking metaphor for the exploitation underlying the conflict. On the right, a girl defiantly grips a pencil, wielding it like a weapon against the oppressive force of the snake. Her act symbolizes the power of knowledge, creativity, and resistance in challenging systemic injustice.
The mural underscores the indiscriminate bombings and war crimes endured by the Palestinian civilian population, including the destruction of hospitals, schools, and refugee camps. Blu's artwork is a call to action, urging viewers to condemn the violence, boycott oppressive systems, and demand freedom and justice for Palestine. Through its bold imagery and profound message, the mural transforms a building into a canvas of protest and a beacon of solidarity.