IF
WALLS COULD TALK
The John Lennon Wall in Prague’s Malá Strana – a symbol of free speech and the non-violent resistance of the Czech youth in the 1980s – has been reinvigorated with new paintings completed by local and international artists.
The Meet Art event in Prague revitalised the iconic wall owned by the Order of Malta, that spreads a message of hope, originally painted in 1980 in honour of Beatles frontman John Lennon. 72
O
wned by the Order of Malta and located at Velkopřevorské náměstí (Grand Priory Square), the wall became a unique centrepiece for the city when young artists and activists took to the wall in 1980 honour of Beatles frontman John Lennon, who was murdered in December that year. Lennon was admired for his music that preached happiness and freedom, something the local youth did not have during the Totalitarian-Communist era.
During Communist rule, John Lennon’s songs and many other western pop music were banned. Musicians and citizens were often arrested if listening to or playing his music, but their support for Lennon persevered through the communist rule. Communist authorities worked to whitewash the portraits and lyrics of Lennon – even installing security cameras and posting guards – but the activists were persistent, with their artistic ventures in part facilitated by The Order of Malta. 2018 Australian Hospitaller
