Luminato sheds light on a darkened neighbourhood

I don't want to say too much about this artwork as it speaks volumes on its own. Yet it has struck me visually more than almost anything I've seen this year and I knew I needed to feature it.

After a quick Google search, I learned it was part of a portrait series of residents of Regent Park, put on by the Luminato festival. Artists working with neighbourhood youth put together the larger than life images.

This portrait's huge size and almost hyper-real amount of detail make it visually striking, as does its unique placement on the side of a Regent Park apartment block. (My initial first thought was "wow, great graffiti!") Furthermore, the subject itself is emotionally effective. You quickly see the vulnerability and pride in this young pre-adolescent living in what is known as a "troubled" neighbourhood. He sports a basketball jersey as both uniform and armour.

I've not yet seen street art of this quality and I applaud Luminato (sponsored by Loreal, somewhat oddly) for its strong programming. The success of this project I think shows how art can bring something positive to people who cannot or may not have a chance to shine in other areas.