Artist creates gigantic mural of hope in Swiss Alpine resort

A French artist has unveiled a striking, gigantic mural in Switzerland with a hopeful message aimed at everyone struggling during the COVID19 crisis around the world.

Painted on the landscape of the alpine resort of Leysin last month, the artwork covers a space of 3000-square metres and was created with biodegradable paints which were made from natural pigments such as coal and chalk. The eye-catching piece depicts a young girl with an open pencil case with chalks coming out, surrounded by stick figures and men, women and children who join hands to form a circle.

saype mural — The mural was created to spread hope © Valentin Flauraud for Saype

Called Beyond Crisis, the project was created by Saype, who aimed to send a message of hope and positivity throughout the world. “It is the current crisis which [gave me the idea]. Luckily, in Switzerland the confinement was partial, this allowed me to be able to paint outside. It seems to me that this is what inspired the work that makes it unique: the coronavirus crisis and the fact that more than half of the world's population is confined to their homes. On the other hand, I wanted to talk about the importance of being united in the face of this crisis and already looking to the future,” artist Saype told Lonely Planet.

saype swiss mural — The mural shows a young girl with a chain of characters linking together © Valentin Flauraud for Saype

Switzerland proved to be an inspirational choice as the canvas for the piece, as images from above show lush green hills, sun-kissed valleys and snow-topped alpine ridges in the distance.

Saype said that the positive response to the project has been fantastic, with reactions coming from all over the world. “I am lucky. This work was so well received. People were really touched and fully supported the project,” Saype said.