Ananda, a butterfly sculpture Panamanian artist Marisabel Bazán created for the zero discrimination campaign, celebrates the inherent contentment, joy and fulfilment of existence. Standing two metres tall, Ananda is a colourful artwork that symbolizes the transformation that each person can bring to society.

“The butterfly represents a human being and the power we all have to transform ourselves and our world,” said Ms Bazán.

A gift from Ms Bazán, with support from the Office of the First Lady of Panama, Ananda will be part of the UNAIDS permanent art collection. First Lady Lorena Castillo de Varela and UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé unveiled the sculpture on 24 May. He praised Ms Bazán for her commitment to the zero discrimination movement and said the sculpture is an important part of her legacy. Ms Bazán introduced her work at the unveiling event.

Ms Bazán’s art is influenced by “the juxtaposition of life’s realities and the beauty of the human condition that exists in every city and every walk of life.” Butterflies prevail in her artwork for their transformative message.

Her paintings and sculptures are created through a mixed-media technique, three-dimensional effects and a colour synergy that describe her own urban–avant-garde style.