New Mural at La Matanza Care Center Honors Residents and Staff Through Urban Art
Artist Matías Mata has unveiled a new mural at the Jesús de Nazaret residential center in La Matanza de Acentejo, featuring portraits of residents and staff to promote social visibility and humanize care spaces.
The new mural at the Jesús de Nazaret residential center in La Matanza de Acentejo is more than just decoration; it is a powerful statement on social visibility. By bringing urban art into a care facility, the project challenges the common assumption that graffiti belongs only on city streets or is exclusively for the youth.
Created by artist Matías Mata—widely known as "Sabotaje al Montaje"—the mural is located at 38 La Resbala Street. The project was commissioned by the center’s management, Brother Julián and Loli, who wanted to reflect the lives of their residents on the building’s exterior. Despite challenging weather conditions since work began in April, the final piece is a large-scale portrait featuring iconic members of the community, including residents like Guillermina and her son Ramón, alongside the dedicated healthcare and management staff.
This project highlights the importance of humanizing care spaces for the elderly and those with functional diversity. Its true value lies in giving a voice and a face to individuals who are often overlooked in public life. By choosing to depict the people who actually live and work there, the mural celebrates caregiving as a vital part of society, moving away from abstract art to a realistic style that honors the community’s identity.
The impact on the residents has been profound, changing how they see their daily environment. For Mata, this was a unique challenge, requiring careful photographic study to capture the essence of his subjects. In an age dominated by digital filters, this mural offers an honest, tangible representation of real people, proving that street art can be a powerful tool for connection and recognition within care centers.