 |
|
 |
|
|
Murals have emerged as an important public
art style in communities throughout the United
States. Outdoor murals often bring beauty
into decaying neighborhoods and provide a
vehicle for social expression. The art form
grew out of various Latino traditions, including
the fresco work of Mexican artist Diego Rivera
and the practice of urban graffiti tagging.
Considered the greatest Mexican painter of
the 20th century, Rivera is often credited
with bringing the craft of the fresco back
into modern art and architecture. Frescoes
(murals painted on fresh wet plaster with
pigments dissolved in lime water) became his
medium of choice when he discovered those
of the Italian Renaissance while studying
in Europe. A life-long Marxist, Rivera strongly
believed that public art was a powerful form,
a meaningful departure from the elite walls
of galleries and museums.
While graffiti artists may not cite Rivera
as an influence, their bold murals have grown
into a distinctive brand of public art and
shared community history. Their works often
have a political message and appear in urban
neighborhoods where violent death has become
a part of everyday life. Unfortunately, graffiti
artists who often use aerosol paint as their
medium still face the stigma that their work
is a defacement of public property.
Take
a photo tour of a selection of murals and
public art across the U.S. >
Learn
more about the Latino mural tradition > |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
