A beloved mural that had become an iconic symbol of diversity in Cardiff Bay has mysteriously disappeared after being painted over with cream-colored paint. The artwork, affectionately known as the "Mona Lisa of Butetown," was discovered missing during the week of November 17, leaving only a plain cream wall where the striking image once stood.
The mural, titled "My City, My Shirt," was originally created by Cardiff-based creative collective Unify and first appeared on Bute Street in April 2021. The powerful image depicted Maimuna Yoncana, a woman originally from Guinea-Bissau, proudly wearing a Cardiff City football shirt while cradling her baby bump. The artwork was strategically located on the side of a three-story building and served as the centerpiece of a larger project designed to encourage people of color to connect with their city and local football club.
The mural's journey has been marked by controversy and resilience. In October 2021, vandals defaced the original painting with white paint, prompting a police investigation and the launch of a GoFundMe campaign to cover repair costs. Following this incident, the artwork was relocated and repainted on the opposite side of the road, where it remained until its recent disappearance. The mural faced another challenge in 2022 when it was painted over to make room for a McDonald's advertisement, but public outrage led the restaurant chain to instruct the artists to restore the beloved image.
According to Yusuf, one of the project's creators, the inspiration for the mural came from his personal experience attending Cardiff City home games, where he noticed the small number of ethnic minority supporters in the stands. Working alongside Shawqi Hasson, Yusuf hoped the artwork would help minority communities identify with the Welsh capital and its football club, encouraging them to take pride in their "dual heritage." The mural's placement in Butetown held special significance, as the area represents Wales' oldest Black community.
The timing of the original project was particularly meaningful for the local community, which was still reeling from concerns about the treatment of Mohamud Hassan, who died in January 2021 while in police custody. The mural served as a source of uplift and pride during a difficult period for the neighborhood.
Shawqi explained the broader vision behind the project, stating: "The project behind the mural, and the entire project is to showcase that you don't really need to be a football fan. Just by wearing the shirt it represents you're from Cardiff, you should be proud to live and to call Cardiff your home no matter who you are, what background you're from."
Unify, the creative collective responsible for this work, has established itself as a significant force in Cardiff's public art scene. The group has created several other notable murals throughout the city, including a tribute to Gary Speed near the Cardiff City Stadium and an artwork featuring Jess Fishlock on a football court in Splott Court. They have also produced temporary art installations as part of various campaigns across the Welsh capital, cementing their reputation as champions of inclusive and community-focused public art.
