This work of art is pretty well known in the community that I live in. People are constantly driving by it and it has been there forever. I often drive by and think nothing of it; sometimes I will eat tacos at the taco shop across the street and just stare at it. However I never really took the time to really look at the mural and establish what it really means to me until now. I saw it and thought it resembles the community and how there are many working class families. It has a man and a woman that represent all the men and women in the area, it also has corn which symbolizes an every day use for food common amongst the Hispanic community. Above the man head is a puzzle, which seems to have pieces from different groups of people that symbolizes the diversity of the area.
Surroundings and Background
This area is one that has people from all over whether they are White, African American, Latino, or Asian. Everyone is usually accepted and welcomed without harm. Also in the mural you can see warriors on opposite ends of the puzzle. That symbolizes that even though that there is peace, when it comes down to protecting ones own faith or people they are not afraid to battle. That was something that was more apparent in the 90’s when gang wars were at its peak. Unfortunately, the differences that were very minor meant that battle had to take place. Symbols became gang marks and even innocent people were victim to gain violence. Sadly, that has affected my family in me in a negative way. However, the art piece shows acceptance and forgiveness to all, as shown by the man with open arms.
The Eye Catcher
Something that caught my attention was the baby in the hands of what seems to be the mother. Different ideas crossed my mind about this particular part. It has a glow and beam similar to the sun, I was not sure if that meant that the child was a boy. It also has what seems to be numbers on the inside, which resemble a clock symbolizing that we are only on the earth for a certain period of time. The thought that came across my mind was the one that brought the meaning of a circle into my head. To me a circle is never ending and cannot be broken. That would then mean that it is never ending and that life could mean that it is eternal. Then it would maybe tie into religion and in the mural there is a bright white cross on the top in the puzzle. Also, a few blocks up the street there is a Catholic Church. That really made me think how crazy it is that one painting could have so many different meanings and raise questions that one must ask the artist to figure out. There were so many names on the painting on the bottom left that I could not figure out if it was dedicated to them or if it was a collaboration of different artists working on one mural.
Appreciate the Little Things
The day I went to visit the mural it was overcast and gloomy which I believe could have a major effect on the way one perceives the artwork. I tried not to let that affect me so that I can be positive about the artwork because even though it is not the best painting it has this sense that makes it beautiful in its own way. That where the aura ties in it is just unique and has this something about it that drags you in but you cannot get a grasp of what is grabbing you. For me it put me in a place that had me try and relate the mural to my life. It made me feel thankful for the gift of life and the wonderful parents I have that support me. It also made me proud of my culture and how that has affected me growing up. Sometimes we tend to overlook things and take them for granted. Its good to pay attention to them, you can find beauty in the simplest things. We often overlook that and something that can maybe benefit us and brighten our days is never used because we never took the time to actually look for a few moments. Make use of every moment and sometimes you can find things that can be quite interesting.
This area is one that has people from all over whether they are White, African American, Latino, or Asian. Everyone is usually accepted and welcomed without harm. Also in the mural you can see warriors on opposite ends of the puzzle. That symbolizes that even though that there is peace, when it comes down to protecting ones own faith or people they are not afraid to battle. That was something that was more apparent in the 90’s when gang wars were at its peak. Unfortunately, the differences that were very minor meant that battle had to take place. Symbols became gang marks and even innocent people were victim to gain violence. Sadly, that has affected my family in me in a negative way. However, the art piece shows acceptance and forgiveness to all, as shown by the man with open arms.
The Eye Catcher
Something that caught my attention was the baby in the hands of what seems to be the mother. Different ideas crossed my mind about this particular part. It has a glow and beam similar to the sun, I was not sure if that meant that the child was a boy. It also has what seems to be numbers on the inside, which resemble a clock symbolizing that we are only on the earth for a certain period of time. The thought that came across my mind was the one that brought the meaning of a circle into my head. To me a circle is never ending and cannot be broken. That would then mean that it is never ending and that life could mean that it is eternal. Then it would maybe tie into religion and in the mural there is a bright white cross on the top in the puzzle. Also, a few blocks up the street there is a Catholic Church. That really made me think how crazy it is that one painting could have so many different meanings and raise questions that one must ask the artist to figure out. There were so many names on the painting on the bottom left that I could not figure out if it was dedicated to them or if it was a collaboration of different artists working on one mural.
Appreciate the Little Things
The day I went to visit the mural it was overcast and gloomy which I believe could have a major effect on the way one perceives the artwork. I tried not to let that affect me so that I can be positive about the artwork because even though it is not the best painting it has this sense that makes it beautiful in its own way. That where the aura ties in it is just unique and has this something about it that drags you in but you cannot get a grasp of what is grabbing you. For me it put me in a place that had me try and relate the mural to my life. It made me feel thankful for the gift of life and the wonderful parents I have that support me. It also made me proud of my culture and how that has affected me growing up. Sometimes we tend to overlook things and take them for granted. Its good to pay attention to them, you can find beauty in the simplest things. We often overlook that and something that can maybe benefit us and brighten our days is never used because we never took the time to actually look for a few moments. Make use of every moment and sometimes you can find things that can be quite interesting.
Albert Miramontes attends Cal State Northridge. He loves sports with a passion especially basketball. In his free time you can catch him at the SRC or at home following the Dodgers.