Anyone who visits Mexico must, at some point, be impressed by Mexico’s mural tradition. From Diego Rivera murals in Mexico City to modern day graffiti, public art is a part of everyday life. The full range was on view on a recent trip to Puebla, beginning with the pre-Columbian murals at Cacaxtla – an archaeological site between Puebla and Tlaxcala.
The murals at Cacaxtla, having been underground until the late XXth century, are among the best preserved in Mexico. Resdiscovered in 1975, the murals date to the Classic Period (600-900). The “Battle” mural extends for about 20 yards along one wall and is only one of several located on the site.
More modern murals in the tradition of Orozco, Siquieros and Rivera were on view in many government buildings, including an especially impressive series depicting the history of Mexico in the State Government Palace in Tlaxcala City by Desiderio Hernández Xochitiotzin.
More recently, the Collectivo Tomate has been sponsoring artists to engage in urban improvement through public artworks. The Xanenetla neighborhood is between Puebla’s historic center and the historic forts on Loreto Hill above Puebla. Entire streets have been improved through these widely varied murals. The one depicted below seemed especially appropriate just before Day of the Dead.
I think I’ve found a new avatar for the Rambling Lawyer!
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