Mar 5, 20234 min read

Muralism: Art of Public Walls

Updated: Aug 2, 2023

Diego Rivera, Man Controller of the Universe (or Man in the Time Machine), 1934,

Muralism is a form of public art that uses large walls as a canvas to create artistic expressions. The word "Mural" comes from the Latin word "Murus," meaning "wall." Muralism is a powerful medium of communication that not only beautifies the public space but also conveys social, cultural, and political messages. Muralism has a rich history, dating back to ancient times, and has evolved into a vibrant art form that has gained global recognition. This article delves into the world of Muralism, exploring its origins, significance, and influence on society.

A Brief History of Muralism

Muralism has been an integral part of human history, with its roots in prehistoric times. In ancient Egypt, murals adorned the walls of tombs and temples, depicting scenes from mythology and daily life. In Mexico, the tradition of mural painting can be traced back to the Aztec period, where artists decorated buildings with elaborate wall paintings. In the Renaissance era, Italian artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci used murals to depict religious scenes and mythological tales. In the 20th century, Muralism emerged as a political and social movement, particularly in Latin America, where artists used walls to express their political and social views.

Imagenes: mural_182_002_1.jpg; mural_182_002_2.jpg Información: Lado este de la batalla; Talud oriente Autor(es): Marat, Mauricio Ubicación de la imagen: DMC-INAH Uriarte Castañeda, María Teresa y Fernanda Salazar Gil (Coordinadoras), 2013, La pintura mural prehispánica en México, Volumen V, Cacaxtla, Tomo II, México, IIE-UNAM.

The Significance of Muralism

Muralism is a powerful tool of expression that not only beautifies public spaces but also serves as a form of communication. Murals can convey a variety of messages, including cultural identity, political ideology, and social issues. Murals have the power to inspire, educate, and raise awareness of societal problems. They provide a platform for underrepresented voices to be heard, and they foster a sense of community pride and ownership.

The Evolution of Muralism

Muralism has come a long way from its ancient roots. Today, Muralism is a vibrant art form that has gained worldwide recognition. Mural artists use a variety of techniques, including spray paint, acrylics, and even tile work, to create stunning and intricate works of art. Muralism has also evolved into a collaborative process, with artists working together to create large-scale murals that reflect the community's values and aspirations.

Bansky Ukraine Mural Child Judo throwing Judo master

The Impact of Muralism on Society

Muralism has a significant impact on society. Murals can serve as a form of cultural preservation, documenting the history and traditions of a community. They can also raise awareness of social issues and promote positive social change. Murals can also help to revitalize neglected or abandoned neighborhoods, creating a sense of community pride and ownership. Murals also serve as a tourist attraction, drawing visitors to the area and boosting the local economy.

"Dia Uno" Mural Mon Laferte en Valparaiso Chile 2021

Which artists and artworks are representant of muralism?

Muralism is an art form that has been embraced by artists around the world. Some of the most well-known muralists include:

Diego Rivera -

A Mexican artist who is considered the father of Muralism. His

works depict the struggles of the working class and promote social justice.

David Alfaro Siqueiros -

Another Mexican artist who was a part of the Muralist movement. His works often dealt with political themes and social issues.

Jose Clemento Orozco in front of his mural

José Clemente Orozco -

A Mexican artist who was known for his murals that explored the human condition and the struggle for freedom.

Thomas Hart Benton -

An American artist who created murals that celebrated American history and culture.

a question mark of unknown Bansky indentity — Bansky indentity is unknown

Banksy -

A British street artist known for his politically charged murals and his use of stencils. His indentity remains unknown.

Some of the most famous murals:

The Detroit Industry Murals by Diego Rivera - A series of murals painted on the walls of the Detroit Institute of Arts that celebrate the automotive industry.

The Siqueiros Mural at Univesity City - A mural that depicts the struggle for social justice and the fight against oppression.

El pueblo a la Universidad y la Universidad al pueblo… (1952-1956), David Alfaro Siqueiros. Foto Juan Antonio López.

The Orozco Murals at the Hospicio Cabañas in Guadalajara, Mexico - A series of murals that explore the human condition and the struggle for freedom.

The Benton Murals in the Missouri State Capitol - A series of murals that celebrate American history and culture.

Thomas Hart Benton’s A Social History of the State of Missouri

FAQs about Muralism

What is the difference between a mural and graffiti?

Murals are typically large-scale works of art that are created with the permission of the property owner, while graffiti is often done without permission and is considered vandalism.

How long does it take to create a mural?

The time it takes to create a mural depends on the size and complexity of the artwork. Some murals can take weeks or even months to complete.

Who pays for murals?

Murals are often funded by local governments, nonprofit organizations, or private businesses.

Was Mexican Muralism a kind of protest?

The Mexican Muralism movement was not explicitly a form of protest, but it was often used to promote social and political change. The murals often depicted scenes of everyday life in Mexico, as well as images of nature, culture, and history. The murals were often painted on public walls and buildings, making them accessible to all. The murals also often had political and social themes, as they were often used to promote social and political change

During Muralism movement in Mexico the art was not accesible and visible to the masses?

No, the Mexican Muralism movement was specifically designed to create art that was accessible and visible to the masses.

Why before Muralism movement, art wasn't accesible and visible to the masses?

Before the Mexican Muralism movement, art was often displayed in galleries or museums, which were not always accessible or visible to the masses. Additionally, art was often expensive and inaccessible to the working class.

We hope you like this glance of muralism. See you in the next "Artful insights" post!

NeoCrotalic