The idea to paint the 160-meter-long overpass wall came from the Brasa Neighborhood Association. Part of the Brasa essence can now be seen on the wall. The artist in charge of painting the mural, surveyed local people to find out what they associate with Brasa.
"What is white and green on both ends? A year, and it's here. It starts with the bluebells in the Great Cemetery, and then the whole of Riga knows that spring has begun and winter is over," says artist Dainis Rudens.
The mural is being painted by five artists who have brought local stories to life. The mural features several foxes that live in the neighborhood. Also the book exchange, important to many.
"The Fat Marika is a symbol of the mural and how the neighbourhood is run by the locals," says Rita Našeniece of the neighborhood association.
She has noticed that the painted walls are less likely to be graffitied on or otherwise damaged.
"The more you tidy up the environment, the more light there is. People understand that the environment should not be degraded," adds Našeniece.
The mural was financed by the municipality and is planned to extend to the Čiekurkalna side next year.
