Lean On Me
- Title
- Lean On Me
- Creator
- Philipo Dyauli Tanzanian muralist, painter based in Minneapolis. University of St Thomas, MN alumnus. Inspired by culture and personal experiences as demonstrated in his murals.
- Date
- Created: 2023
Documented: 2024 - Description
- Composition: The mural features two figures. The figure on the left appears to be female with long hair and is seated with one leg folded, holding what appears to be a champions league soccer ball on the ground with one hand. Her other hand is extended over the knee. The figure on the right, which I assume is male with short hair, is seated with both legs folded and holding a book with both hands. Both are wearing closed shoes. The artist used the windows as part of the composition, making the two figures symmetrical. The two figures appear relaxed.
Color: The color palette is bold; the artist uses light green on the hair of the left figure, pink on its top and shoes, the ball is yellow with white stars, the skin of the figure is brown. On the right figure, light blue color and white is used on the figure with pink on the book and brown body with black hair. These vibrant colors contrast against the black wall background which helps emphasize the figures. The colors also make the mural visible from a distance.
Line: The artist used a mixture of straight and curved lines. The artist used curved lines on the limbs, the ball, limbs and straight ones on the book. He uses a mixture of straight and curved on the clothing. The lines appear to be clean and bold. The artist uses mural colors to create the lines.
Texture: The figures are painted on a smooth wall which gives the mural a smooth and gentle texture. The smooth texture creates veracity. The artist used the contour lines on the hair of the figure on the right giving the hair a rough texture.
Space: The figures on either side are on a flat wall; the artist uses the edge of the building to create a three-dimensional perspective on the figures. The figures are seated flat on the ground and the artist uses the building’s horizontal and vertical planes to create symmetry on the figures. The artist used the windows as part of the painting the helps shape the figures without breaking the narrative. The mural blends well with green trees and grass on the side, especially the figure on the left. The black wall and the tarmac road complement each other. - Subject
- The two figures leaning on each other illustrates interdependence. It depicts support for each other and staying in solidarity with one another. The figures might also demonstrate talent and how talents are interdependent for the betterment of society. The champions league ball held by the figure on the left demonstrates talent in soccer, and the one on the right with a book demonstrates talent in education. These talents lean on one another hence success, and peace in society as the figures are depicted as calm. The piece might also be about different genders working together and utilizing their talents for a prosperous society.
- Rights
- Artist: Philipo Dyauli
Researcher: Josphat Eiton - Source
- The Chroma Zone
https://www.chromazone.net/philipo-dyauli
Creative Enterprise Zone
Philipo Dyauli
African Heritage
Mural
Passion
Files
Collection
Citation
Philipo Dyauli Tanzanian muralist, painter based in Minneapolis. University of St Thomas, MN alumnus. Inspired by culture and personal experiences as demonstrated in his murals., “Lean On Me,” Museum in the streets: Murals in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, accessed January 20, 2026, https://mspmurals.omeka.net/items/show/26.