Across the street from the Zille-Grundschule primary school, the Butterfly Mural by Michelle Tombolini commands attention. It’s a vibrant splash of blue against the urban canvas of Friedrichshain, Berlin. But the beauty holds a poignant message. The mural depicts a young girl in a polka dot dress, a cross starkly covering her mouth. This is Butterfly, silenced and restrained, representing the tragic reality of child exploitation. Tombolini created the Butterfly Mural in 2015, partnering with ECPAT, an organization fighting against child sexual exploitation. The mural’s location, next to a primary school, amplifies its message, serving as a constant reminder of the vulnerability of children. This 13m x 6m paste-up is more than just a physical artwork. It interacts with augmented reality. A plaque nearby invites you to download the Experenti app. Through this app, Butterfly finds her voice, breaking free from the censorship depicted in the mural. The augmented reality experience adds another layer to the artwork, transforming a passive observation into an interactive engagement with the issue. A smaller version of the Butterfly Mural also graces the wall of Facciola wine bar in Kreuzberg. But the original location in Friedrichshain, with its proximity to the school, makes it particularly impactful. The Butterfly Mural serves as a powerful statement, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a call to action against the exploitation of children.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to