A Mural Of the Statue of Liberty In Shame

In Roubaix, near Lille in northern France, one mural depict the Statue of Liberty with her face buried in her hands, creating a strong image of shame and sorrow.

Painted on tall brick buildings, the works stand out in both aerial and street-level views, confronting passersby with a powerful reinterpretation of one of the world’s most iconic symbols. These pieces are the work of Judith De Leeuw (JDL), who for a long time now have been using large walls to turn urban spaces into beautiful art: Here, here and here!

In collaboration with URBX Festival and Collectif Renart.

Judith De Leeuw: What started as a deeply personal response to pain — a mural of the Statue of Liberty in shame — became something I never expected. I placed her in France, but her message traveled across the world. From the U.S. to India, Arabia, Mexico, Portugal, Thailand… people felt it. Argued with it. Shared it. Held it. I’ve worked toward this moment for 9 years — often quietly, often wondering if anyone would ever really see. And now… somehow, the world is watching.

Major platforms like USA Today (14M on Facebook, 16M on X), CBS (3M on Instagram), and ABC (1.7M across platforms) helped carry this message far beyond what I could have imagined. What means the most to me is that through this art piece, we are united — talking, sharing feelings and pain. Knowing we’re not alone in this struggle means the world to me.

Thank you — for seeing it, for feeling it, for raising your voice with me. I’ll never forget this.

🔗 Follow Judith De Leeuw on Instagram

The mural shows the Statue of Liberty with her head bowed and hands covering her face, as if overwhelmed or ashamed.

If Lady Liberty could speak today, what do you think she would say?