Mexican murals

Mexican murals are an important part of Mexican culture and history. Murals have been used for political, social, environmental, and cultural representation.

Mayans and Aztecs

Mural painting has deep roots in the history of Mexico. For thousands of years indigenous people of Mexico, like the Mayans and Aztecs, painted on their temples and palaces with scenes of everyday life. Some included human sacrifices, battles, celebrations, dancers, musicians, and the clothing they wore. These murals show in detail how the Mayans and Aztecs ancient civilization were back then in history.

Mexican Muralism

Main article: Mexican Muralism

Starting in the early 1900s some of the greatest muralists of Mexico were called Los Tres Grandes, Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and David Siqueiros. Their work had a profound impact on artist internationally. After the Mexican Revolution in the 1920s, these artists were sensitive to the impact of social and political conditions in Mexico. They used their art as a visual dialogue with their native people.

Post Muralism

The Chicano Movement of the 1960s that stem from the Mexican Muralist found a place in southwest United States. The Chicano muralists had their own unique style. Their inspiration for their murals, document history, express cultural identities, and inspire political social activism that was influenced by the Civil Rights Movement.

Today, Chicanos still use the walls of public places to place the history, struggles, hopes, needs, and dreams of its people.