A DISUSED wall transformed into a bold and bright mural is breathing new life into part of inner city Bradford.
The Living Wall of Peace - created by visual and landscape artist and architect Shiraaz Ali - can be found next to Laisterdyke Library in Bradford Moor.
The grand design features a phoenix in flight, a beautiful light installation, and a plethora of plant life in a sensory garden style.
People can immerse themselves in scents and tastes from locally grown thyme, camomile, sorrel, spinach, parsley, and sage.
Shiraaz wanted to share a vision of his home city’s future - one filled with nature, peace, and possibility.
The proud Bradfordian, who is one of three artists in residence at City Hall, said: "This project was born from a young Bradford lad who wished to have more green spaces where he could feel safe to play.
"This simple wish planted the seed for the wall at Laisterdyke to become a symbol of hope and prosperity for Bradford’s future as ‘The Wall of Peace’.
"The project aims to create a symbiosis between nature and art to create a powerful message of peace.
“Our local, diverse and incredible communities are aimed to be celebrated through this project through the use of language, as the word ‘peace’ is translated in 20 languages that are spoken in the local area, to propose a unification of Bradford and its amazing communities.
"The design and artwork take their inspiration from sacred geometry that is found in many cultures across the world and aims to symbolise unity for the city and create awe and inspiration for the people and younger generations.
“And the phoenix design intends to create a mystical element, and symbolizes Bradford’s rising future which will soar high with time and be a place which we are all very proud to call home."
The mural was co-funded by Arts Council England, the Keith Howard Foundation and Better Place Bradford.
Adele Adams, project manager for Better Place, said: ‘"The Laisterdyke Library living wall project is in an area that lots of people pass by and is close to where families live.
“It felt a wasted opportunity not to transform the wall as something playful and beautiful on people’s doorstep. It has been lovely working with the artist Shiraaz as he has pulled community ideas together bringing a vision to life - literally.”
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