In October, South African artists Inka Kendzia and Faith XLVII presented Ad Pacem, their collaborative projection-mapped mural, in Cincinnati during the Blink Light Festival. The flag plays a central symbolic role in the work, say the artists, accentuating “the power of non-violent protest and negotiation in the pursuit of peace.” It appears both in paint and projection.

Faith XLVII painted the mural, which was based on Eirene, the Greek goddess of peace. This aspect of the artwork “highlights the importance of actively working towards a society that functions on open communication and inclusion,” say the artists.

Inka Kendzia’s projection—set to music by Stellamara—was constructed to interact within the artwork. According to the artists, its layered narrative alludes to “borders, immigration, freedom of movement, peaceful protest, government oppression and the strength of the human spirit in overcoming these challenges.”

Blink Light, an art and light event featuring more than 100 installations, spanned more than 30 city blocks in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Covington, Kentucky. It is the largest event of its kind in the nation, with about 1.5 million visitors.

View the projection: