|
Latin America
Project
M
U
R
A
L
S
U
M
M
A
R
Y
|
|
Mural Summary
|
Ben, Manon, Brian, Masayo, Nikole, and Orion
Globalization A través Latino América
This mural represents the phase that Latin America
has experienced, is experiencing, and is yet to experience. It uses key
symbols to portray significant meanings for globalization occurring in
this region of the world. By using visual art as the method of depiction
the viewer can see globalization clearly through the artists.
Oppression is seen in the mural with the Nike shoe
about to slam into a Mayan pyramid. The General Motors, Pepsi, and
Disney buildings behind the pyramid show oppression to the culture in
Latin America like a looming shadow. It shows local beliefs being
surrounded by international financial benefits. The Mayan god is
drinking a can of Coca Cola Classic, which was also introduced to the
area. The Starbucks and McDonald’s huts are major signs of oppression
due to globalization. The companies have created their branches to
resemble housing in which is popular. Much of Latin America was
bombarded by foreign corporations, which oppressed the culture and
influenced it to become something completely different than the original.
The Exxon refinery in the cloud shows the theme of
magical realism and surrealism. It rests as if a superior figure in the
sky and rains oil onto the remaining forest.
Globalization calls for factories, warehouses, and
corporate offices. This, of course, effects the environment. Naturally,
the companies pictured in this mural had to clear trees and forests to
locate their agencies. The oil from Exxon has caused the trees to die,
and the river to become polluted. A tree is shown falling down to
represent clear-cut areas, and pollution. Often the environment is
greatly affected by the idea to promote globalization and here an
example is given.
The themes of indigenous cultures are revealed
through the Mayan god. The Mayans had a lot of respect for their
religion. The gods and goddesses were symbols that they used to express
their faith. This god, the Quetzal, was a bird that was said to have a
magnificent call. It was a sign of hope and luck and connected the
animal world to the world of people. It was referred to as the “spirit
of the Maya”. Now the bird is almost extinct, drinking a commercialized
pop signifying its loss of tradition and culture. Another aspect
of indigenous culture were the great Mayan pyramids. The Mayans
considered all pyramids to be sacred and they were the bases of Mayan
architecture.
This mural shows the past, present and future of
Latin America. Through the powerful themes this mural has taken shape.
Its meanings are strong and show the face of reality under the world
united.
|
  
  
|
Index
|
|
|