Growing up in this city there is one major thing that has never lost its fervor. Murals have always fascinated me and have always grabbed my interest. They were paintings for the common man; something that was for everyone to enjoy.
Murals are around all of LA. They all have different meanings. Some are preserved, some are not. While we all cherish the newly found graffiti street art, I thought it might be interesting to appreciate an older street art form, a famous mural.
#4 América Tropical
América Tropical is pretty spectacular, and, better yet, it has been recently restored. It was once criticized because its realistic approach clashed with the idealized look of Olvera Street, something considered an idealized image of latino people. Painted in October 9, 1932, the América Tropical was painted using spray paint, which was a renowned during that time.
What David Alfaro Siqueiros did was depict the torturing of the indigenous latino right in the center of the empire. The racial prejudice was quite high, and a lot a resentment was being held by both parties. During this time (Zoot Suit Riot) many latinos were being deported and attacked. With the mural, artist David Alfaro Siqueiros pointed the middle finger to the nonchalant approach of politics during that time.
This message was not taken so lightly. When the once Disneyland-esque Olvera Street displayed the controversial painting for all to see, it was whitewashed soon after.
However eighty years later, the Getty Conservation restored the mural and opened it up to the world on its 80th birthday.
I have a small fascination with this mural because it is so essential LA. It was something hidden from the whole world filled to the brim with history. It is a stepping stone to who we are today, and we had no idea. Having the América Tropical back into our lives allows us to understand that LA isn't simply celebrities and botox, but a city filled with scandal and political upheaval.
If you want to see it, take a trip to Olvera Street and see what your city has to offer.
No comments:
Post a Comment