You cannot pass by Hamra’s Cairo Street without looking at this collaborative mural done by Elias Zaarour and Karim Tamerji, on the wall of Massabki Serhal’s building.

The mural features two women in vivid hues, representing modern and traditional perspectives of the same woman.

As an artist, I was drawn to the mural for its message and the hidden symbols visible upon closer inspection. On one side, you recognize a modern woman with her head up, expressing herself freely, unrooted, looking towards her future, with these soft yet heavy thoughts and responsibilities over her head, not pushing her down but guiding her towards her desired destination. On the other side is a standing woman, her children over her head, holding together the family she has, protective over them. She sees hope and peace through them, rooted, keeping her head down so they can look up, representing the power of motherhood.

I love this mural because it is eye-opening as a full piece, showing contrast with endless perspectives for the viewer. It can represent a woman’s past and future or the same woman in two different lifetimes, just like that movie called “Look Both Ways”. This piece shows beauty and power in whatever future you choose for yourself as a woman, and it shows how you can find light, hope, and love in whichever choice you take in life, whether you become a mother or stay single. You are beautiful and powerful in your way.