Urban art as a tool for social transformation
During the 1990s and early 2000s, Comuna 13 in Medellín (Colombia) was one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the world. Scarred by drug trafficking, military interventions, and social exclusion, entire generations grew up surrounded by guns, fear, and invisible walls that separated them from the rest of the city and the country.
Among the most traumatic events in its history were Operation Mariscal (2002) and Operation Orión (2002)—military interventions carried out with paramilitary support that left dozens of civilians dead, missing, or wounded, and instilled lasting fear in the community.
Today, the walls of Comuna 13—covered in graffiti, murals, and poetic visuals—stand as canvases of collective expression, serving as reminders of a violent past and as tools for healing and resistance.
Amidst all the pain, a quiet revolution emerged: young people who traded bullets for spray paint, hatred for poetry, and silence for the microphone. They transformed the streets into canvases, and art into a vehicle for resistance, memory, and hope.
Our Response
For the past two years, We Through The Wall has been working on the ground in Comuna 13, in collaboration with local collectives like PH and Emati Gallery, documenting one of the most powerful social transformations in Latin America.
In November 2025, we will begin production on the international documentary
“From Guns to Brushes: A Revolution in Color”,
telling this story from the inside out:
how urban art saved lives, rebuilt community, and turned a hotspot of violence into a global cultural and tourist destination.
We aim to honor the memory of the artists who sparked this love-driven revolution, amplify their voices, promote their creative businesses, and offer inspiration to other communities affected by violence.
The documentary will be produced by our audiovisual team and presented at international human rights film festivals, as well as in educational spaces, cultural events, and social platforms, to inspire global change.
How can you help?
- Sponsor a scene from the documentary (starting at 35€)
- Connect artists, institutions, or media with our project
- Donate creative equipment: cameras, microphones, lights, or art supplies
Share the story of Comuna 13 and its creative revolution on social media
Invite PH or Emati to speak at your school, NGO, or community event
“When art replaces weapons, walls stop dividing and start telling stories.
Help us cross this wall with color, rhythm, and truth.”