El Pasaje De Las Alfombras

This mural is the result of an intense participatory process, designed to combat prejudices around mental health and bridge the gap between the oldest mental health institution in Spain, Parc Sanitari in San Boi, Catalunya, and the town itself.

The mural was funded by Erasmus Plus, a European Union Exchange Program, which included 40 young people from Sweden, Holland, Spain and the UK. Artmongers was tasked with coordinating the UK delegation and overseeing the artistic direction of the mural.

Interaction with patients was an important aspect of the process, and local people were also encouraged to participate by drawing on mats left out in coffee shops and other popular places.

The mural with the hospital in the background

We came up with the idea of painting carpets. Phrases like ‘not hiding things under the carpet’ and ‘airing the carpet’ were evoked to highlight the need for a change in attitude. The fluid style of the painting is symbolic of our wish to create a more fluent exchange between those inside and outside of the institution. Here is a short film by CNN.

Part of the mural showing rolled up carpets

At first, the carpets are tightly rolled, seemingly introspective, next to each other but closed off. As you walk down, the carpets open up, suddenly seeming more connected. Finally, we see the carpets flung over the wall itself, hanging over both sides. Not only is this a nod to overcoming obstacles, in this case the wall itself, but it gives the viewer the impression that they are seeing only one side of the image, and would have to venture inside of the institution to see the whole picture.