#TravelTuesday: Mexico City
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Over the years, street art has become a way for cities to revive neighborhoods, a way for artists to express themselves in a more public space, a way for activists to get a message across, a way for brands to let their colors show and more. From Miami to Lisbon or Melbourne, the World has become a large canvas to discover.
Mural Festival Blog introduces #TravelTuesday, a street art destination content series, where each content piece will explore an artsy city’s unique street art culture.
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As Mexico is topping as one of 2018 trendy destination, we’re opening our #TravelTuesday series with the capital of this rich cultured country. Some are charmed by its delicious food, others are attracted by its impressive history, here we will explore what its street art scene has to offer.
Mexico City has a long background of muralism, dating back to the 20’s when Diego Rivera used his art to call attention to political issues.
Nowadays, recent events are highly influencing local and international street artists coming to Mexico City to leave their mark.
Locally, street artist collective Lapiztola has taken the streets of Oaxaca and Mexico City to highlight some of Mexico’s social and political issues, from disappeared students to drug lords and migrants.
Believing murals are harder to hide and to remove, the two young artists moved traded graphic design to street art.
In the same vein, Poni, originally a well-established graphic designer, has recently moved to public art. Her feminine and delicate murals are often teinted of a political, environmentalist and feminist message.
Also, best known for his kaleidoscopic artworks of animals evoking a fantastic atmosphere, Farid Rueda has often accompanied his murals of an underlying social commentary on politics and indigenous people.
On another note, built upon ruins of an ancient Aztec city, Mexico City’s street art scene is greatly influenced by this rich cultural heritage. Proud of this colorful legacy, many acclaimed Mexican street artists incorporate symbols, colors or patterns emblematic of this pre-Hispanic culture.
Amongst others, Mexican street artist Curiot has made his mark in the street art world with pieces showcasing mythical creatures covered in feathers, fur, and vibrant colors, representations of god-like figures and geometric patterns greatly inspired by pre-Hispanic culture.
Mexican street artist, illustrator and graphic designer, Saner’s work is a true celebration of Mexican’s history and culture, using pre-Hispanic traditional imagery to encourage people to look at the past and learn from it.
Colorful and vibrant artworks sprinkled with Mexican symbols, such as snakes and eagles, are Seher One’s trademark. The well-known street artist has shared his Aztec heritage inspired work locally and globally with collaborations with popular brands like Nike and New Era.
All in all, Mexico City’s street art scene has greatly evolved in the recent years; established street artists from all over the world like Roa, Jr and D*Face have left their brush stroke in the streets of Mexico, important international graffiti festivals have taken place, thanks to organisations like MUJAM and All City Canvas, galleries have created exhibitions promoting this form of art and street art tours aimed for tourists, such as Street Art Chilango’s, have arised.
Where to find these pre-Hispanic and politically inspired murals in Mexico City?
Colonia Roma Norte – Probably Mexico City’s most popular hood for a street art hunt; rest assured that you’ll find amazing pieces out there, from Mexican artists as well as international artists.
Photo Credit: Lydia Carey | Piece by Jorge Tellaeche.
Colonia Condesa – Colonia Roma Norte’s twin district, Colonia Condesa’s just as hip and filled with interesting street art.
Centro Histórico – Heart of the Aztec civilization, the historic center’s not only brimming with anciant ruins and architectural landmarks, but is also a great spot to seek out Mexican street art.
Museo del Juguete Antiguo México – This antique toy museum is covered with incredible street art as well as being the birthplace of the city’s first international street art festival, back in 2007.
Museo Nacional de Culturas Populares – The museum offers a Graffiti exhibition with some unique pieces.
Celaya Brothers Gallery – With exhibitions from famous international street artists, such as Felipe Pantone and Nuria Mora, this gallery allows you to appreciate some of their work outside of their impressive murals.
At last, Mexico City’s not the only town in the country with a rich street art scene. If you’re travelling around the country, Playa del Carmen, Oaxaca, Tijuana and Puerto Vallarta are also filled with unique artworks.
Safe travels!
