As an artist and digital nomad, I make it a priority to connect with local art communities wherever I go—giving back through collaboration while raising awareness about environmental issues close to my heart. My journey has taken me across the world, and in each place I visit, I seek to leave a positive impact through creative collaborations. Comuna 13, with its vibrant energy and artistic spirit, presented the perfect opportunity to merge my passion for art and environmental advocacy.
Over the span of just 20 years, Comuna 13, once known as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Latin America, has undergone an incredible transformation through the power of art. Today, it stands as a beacon of resilience, creativity, and social change. I was immediately drawn to the energy of this place, and what started as a visit quickly turned into an opportunity to create something meaningful.
When I learned about the story of Comuna 13, I knew I wanted to contribute something impactful. I connected with local artist and community leader, Usuga, who shared my vision of using art to address environmental issues. Together, we decided to create a mural that tackles one of the most urgent challenges of our time: plastic pollution.
Our mural captures the beauty of the ocean while revealing the harsh reality of pollution. At first glance, it resembles the vibrant underwater worlds of The Little Mermaid or Finding Nemo, but a closer look reveals plastic waste disrupting the scene. Subtle references to major polluters like Coca-Cola and Nestlé challenge viewers to reflect on their role in this crisis, making it impossible to ignore the impact of consumer culture on our oceans.
What started as a single mural sparked a ripple effect—bringing to life a powerful music video, augmented reality experience, a community cleanup, and more.
We celebrated the mural’s impact on February 8, 2025, with an unforgettable Opening Ceremony in Comuna 13—featuring a live performance by Usuga, an AR reveal using the Artivive app, cacao from Waikao Chocolates, a graffiti workshop, and a vibrant street fiesta.
The momentum didn’t stop there. Shortly after, we organized our first community cleanup, turning the mural’s message into real-world action with the help of local volunteers.
Next up: a full Environmental Art Festival—with more murals, music, workshops, and interactive tech. We’re calling on artists, sponsors, and changemakers to help us keep the movement going.
Thank you for being part of it. Stay tuned—this is only the beginning.
Why This Matters
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. It is predicted that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish!
By creating this mural in Comuna 13, a place that has already shown the world the power of transformation, we aim to inspire action and connect communities to the global fight against ocean pollution.
An artist, engineer, and environmental activist, Parisa creates thought-provoking art that drives change, collaborating with local artists during her nomadic travels. Follow her journey and projects on her Instagram.
A celebrated muralist and music artist in Comuna 13, Usuga's art and music capture the soul of the community and the beauty of change. Check out his Instagram to explore more of his work.
A multidisciplinary artist specializing in digital animation, commercial work, and art installations, Josh developed the AR experience for our mural, bringing it to life through interactive technology. Instagram.
Want to be part of this movement? Whether you're an individual looking to support, a business seeking sponsorship opportunities, or media interested in covering our story, we’d love to hear from you.
Follow our journey on Instagram to see progress updates and behind-the-scenes moments: Instagram Highlights
This project is about more than just a mural—it’s about using art to inspire action and create lasting change. As a traveling artist, I am committed to continuing these efforts around the world, connecting with new communities, and raising awareness for the environment in every place I visit. With your support, we can turn this vision into a reality and show the world what’s possible when communities come together for a cause.
Comuna 13’s journey is a story of extraordinary transformation. From its turbulent past as a hotbed of violence to its vibrant present as a cultural and artistic haven, the neighborhood has shown the world the power of resilience and community-driven change. What was once a place of fear and struggle has become a living canvas, where murals tell stories of hope, renewal, and unity. Today, Comuna 13 stands as a shining example of how art can heal and inspire, attracting visitors from all over the world to witness its beauty and hear its stories.
To dive deeper into the remarkable history, art, and transformation of Comuna 13, explore more here.