Vandalised Brunswick East mural featuring Muslim and feminist figures restored following fundraising campaign

A MURAL that was defaced last year has been recreated by artist and activist Ms Saffaa following a groundswell of community support.

VANDALISED mural on a Brunswick East eatery has been recreated.

The mural, by Sydney artist and activist Ms Saffaa on the side of Moroccan Deli-cacy on Lygon St, originally depicted prominent Saudi Arabian feminists and activists, as well as women in headscarves and poetry to support the Saudi “I am my own guardian” Twitter movement.

It was defaced in February last year, with vandals covering messages and faces of the women with black paint.

The full mural. Picture: James Ross

Following the vandalism, residents and Wills federal Labor MP Peter Khalil raised $1000 for a full restoration.

Saffaa said she was “honoured and humbled” by the support and expanded on the original mural to include a broader range of social issues including the indigenous community under a message that reads, “When justice is law resistance is duty”.

“I knew I wasn’t going to restore it, I always knew I would make a new mural,” the Saudi-born, Australian resident said.

“Many people in the community have shown their support either by stopping to speak to me while I was working or by donating art supplies.

“So I felt the love and support even after the fundraising campaign ended.”

The completed mural on Moroccan Deli-cacy on Ann St, Brunswick East. Picture: @MsSaffaa

Multiple artists joined Saffaa in creating the mural, including American Molly Crabapple, who provided a portrait of indigenous activist Celeste Liddle.

Mr Khalil said he was happy to support the mural and launched its new look on February 18.

“Like its predecessor, it speaks to the same powerful message, the empowerment of women,” he said.

Ms Saffaa can be followed on Twitter and Instagram, both @MsSaffaa