revolution mural

This mural depicts two themes chosen by our class: the indigenous cultures of Latin America and revolutions in Latin America. In order to portray accurate images and situations a group of students researched to find factual evidence to support our ideas. While this team was working, another was beginning to design and paint the final mural.

Within this design are many symbols and images. These symbols and images relate to our themes. They speak of the deep rooted oppression in Mexican history, and how it caused and is causing revolution. In the lower lefthand corner we have a skeleton playing a guitar. He represents the hundreds of years of oppression and death that Mexico has endured. He is playing his guitar and singing the long, sad ballad of Mexico. The mural is his song; his story.

In the upper left hand area we see a large black mass. This mass represents all of the oppressive forces that have plagued Mexico: the conquering Spanish, Porfiro Diaz and his corrupt government, or NAFTA throwing more people into poverty. This tide of evil is overtaking an ancient Mayan temple. This shows how the oppressive forces destroy Mexico's past. To the right of this mass is one man standing alone to fend off the evil while others run back to their villages for safety. Below this struggle between man and evil, a river flows around a rock. In many ways the man is the rock and the dark force is the river. No matter how hard the man fights, no matter how hard the rock is, the river of evil will always flow past to flood and destroy what lies beyond.

In the center we see two workers emerging from a cornfield. They are coming forth to be seen and have their voices heard, for they have been overlooked and oppressed for centuries. But when they see the struggle that is being fought before them they hesitate. They begin to wonder whether or not the dangers of revolution are better than the uncomfortable safety of life in the field.

On the far right hand side we see Sub Commandant Marco, leader of the revolutionary Zapatistas. He is staring straight ahead, away from the past struggles, looking forward to the future he hopes to shape. The smoke rising from his pipe represents the rising fire of revolution that he has started. Next to him is a Zapatista woman. Her face is covered because she fights for change, but she continues to hold her child. Although she has given up much to fight she still cares for her family. Perhaps her child is her reason for fighting; so it can have a happier future.

Although our wonderful teacher Ms. Bernstein supervised us the mural is an absolute student work. It is a gathering a of ideas from the whole class.