This “Third Eye Open Peace” mural in Naples incorporates a portrait I originally made for my Make Art Not War print back during the Iraq War. The mural is a public art companion piece to my “Power To the Peaceful” exhibition opening at Gallerie D’Italia on May 6th. I have long promoted peace through my art and activism and this mural incorporates a peace sign and peace text (PACE in Italian) while also including a third eye blooming like a flower, The third eye represents a dialogue with one’s inner self, higher consciousness, and a quest for enlightenment, all of which are essential to achieve peace and harmony. I’ve often used the phrase “eyes open-mind open” and I think “third eye open” is a similar but slightly weightier idea because it addresses looking not only outward to observe, but inward as well. If we can connect with our own humanity we can have empathy for others. Thank to my sponsors Poltrona Frau, La Reggia Designer Outlet, and Montana Cans for helping make this all happen. Also, big thank you to Cultura Napoli, Wunderkammern Gallery, and Inward Creativa Urbana, and my team Dan Flores, Rob Zagula, and Jonathan Furlong for all of your hard work this week! -Shepard