MEXICO CITY – A vibrant country like México is not this way by accident. The purpose of such bright colors is connected to pre-Colombian influences and also in the primary colors used by Aztecs and Mexicas to demonstrate power, rituals, and festivities.
As I walked the beautiful paths surrounded by a vivid artscape at of the Palace of Fine Arts, I could be sure that México City is a great gift to humanity. The country is not only influenced by its vibrant energy but also by the strength and persistence of the population to achieve freedom of speech and their rights as citizens.
The “Tres Grandes,” by three prominent Mexican muralists, are on display at the Palace of Fine Arts. The different murals by artists Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros and José Clemente Orozco represent the cultural reality after the revolution. Those arts are certainly a manner to not only see but also feel the judgment they had about the government and their critics.
Orozco’s 1934 mural Catharsis, at the Palace of Fine Arts is a demonstration of pain, death, change, and the modern political attempt to improve the country. The artwork represents the conflict between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
During my experience in the museum, the mural that most caught my attention and creatively retracted the disappointment with political power was Nueva Democracia by Siqueiros in 1944. This painting mixes humans with animals, reminding us of some topics discussed in the George Orwell’s book Animal Farm.
The murals show the consequences that wars bring to society as violence and social disadvantage.
Paintings are one of the most important ways to keep historical elements and meanings for future generations, despite sometimes generating political discussions and creating social division.
Rivera’s fresco El hombre en la encrucijada, or Man at the Crossroads was commissioned for Rockefeller Center in New York. But the references to communism and communist leaders displeased the buyer, Nelson Rockefeller, and ended with the destruction of the painting.
Rivera later re-created a version of it at the Palace of the Fine Arts and named it Man, Controller of the Universe.
Beyond all the history and elements found in the city, the biggest lesson Mexico City has is to maintain the uniqueness and pride of all social, population, cultural evolution and growth.
This became even more clear when we visited Chapultepec Castle and saw the painting El Sacrificio de los Niños Héroes by Gabriel Flores García. It represents a moment when the castle was invaded by the North American military forces and the Mexican flag was in danger during the fierce battle to defend the castle. As a hero of the Mexican nation, the military cadet Juan Escutia is said to have wrapped the flag around his body and jumped from the top of the castle. He and other young soldiers died in the battle – the painting honors them.
A city that has so many brilliant artists, Nobel Prize winners and other uplifting people, shows how importance and sparks of inspiration can be found in simple and meaningful places.
It certainly encouraged me to look for it in my own country and everywhere around me.
Cassiane Saraiva is a Reporter with Youth Journalism International from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She wrote this article and contributed a photo.
Damian Nam is a Reporter with Youth Journalism International from Seoul, South Korea. He contributed the cover photo for this article.
Norah Springborn is a Senior Correspondent with Youth Journalism International from Illinois, U.S.A. She contributed the video.
Sreehitha Gandluri is a Senior Correspondent with Youth Journalism International. She contributed the photo below.
