Mural Nina (Educação Não É Crime) - Apolo Torres
Imagine standing in the heart of São Paulo, where art meets activism. The monumental street art mural 'Nina' by Apolo Torres stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. This poignant artwork, created in 2016, captures the essence of the struggle for education and intellectual emancipation. As you gaze upon the young schoolgirl reaching for the stars, you're reminded of the barriers she must overcome, symbolized by the serpent at her feet. This is not just art; it's a powerful statement for a universal right.
A poignant monumental street art mural titled 'Nina' (also known as 'Educação Não É Crime'), painted across the blind facade of a high-rise building at Rua Amaral Gurgel, 593, prominently visible from Praça Franklin Roosevelt. Created in 2016 by acclaimed Brazilian painter and muralist Apolo Torres for the international human rights campaign 'Education Is Not a Crime', the artwork portrays a young schoolgirl on tiptoes with a backpack reaching upward toward a swirling constellation of open floating books in the sky. At her feet, a coiled serpent represents the systemic barriers, threats, and hardships faced in the struggle for education and intellectual emancipation.
History
Painted in July 2016, this mural forms an iconic landmark in central São Paulo's street art scene. It reflects Apolo Torres' signature figurative realism and social engagement, using public urban architecture to make a bold, lyrical statement defending education as an unconditional human right.
Fun Facts
- Created for the international human rights campaign 'Education Is Not a Crime', founded by journalist Maziar Bahari to advocate for universal access to learning.
- The central character is named Nina, created by artist Apolo Torres in honor of his own daughter.
- The serpent at her feet is a visual metaphor for the obstacles and dangers that youth overcome in their pursuit of knowledge and freedom.
- Positioned on Rua Amaral Gurgel and perfectly viewed across the open promenade of Praça Franklin Roosevelt.
Guide Tips
- Best viewed from the elevated promenade of Praça Roosevelt overlooking the intersection with Rua da Consolação for an unobstructed wide perspective.
- Only a 5-minute walk from Higienópolis-Mackenzie Metro Station (Line 4-Yellow) or República Station (Lines 3-Red / 4-Yellow).
- Daytime and late afternoon natural lighting brings out the rich tonal textures of the books and figure against the skyline.
Opening Hours
24/7 - External Viewing