Language
Country/Area
No result found
What is the profound meaning of the three major parts of this mural? From the fusion of pre-Columbian culture to the present, you must know!
In the Art Museum of the University of Concepción in Chile, there stands a giant mural of 300 square meters, created by artists from Mexico and Chile, titled "Presencia de América Latina" (Presencia de América Latina). ). The mural, created between 1964 and 1965, explores the unity and brotherhood of Latin American cultures. The content of the murals interweaves time and space, from the cultural elements of the pre-Columbian era to the present, showing the fusion of Latin American history and culture.
The significance of the mural is like a multifaceted mirror, reflecting the course of Latin America and the destinies of its peoples.
Structure of murals
The mural consists of three main parts: a central panel measuring 6 metres high and 20 metres wide, and two side panels measuring 7.6 metres high and 6 metres wide. The overall design is eye-catching, with the mask in the central panel attracting attention and rich symbolism, such as the presentation of cold steel and silver, creating an epic feeling that makes the viewer involuntarily think about culture and history.
Part I: Pre-Columbian Cultures
The right panel depicts pre-Columbian America. The painting shows a woman holding a fish, symbolizing the abundance of the ocean. Next to her is the green mask of the rain god Tlaloc, emphasizing the source of nature and life. Facing her is the serpentine deity Quetzalcoatl, representing the symbol of culture and showing the heritage and significance of this period of history. On the far right side of this section, a Spanish soldier is depicted fighting an eagle man, symbolizing the conflict and historical challenges brought about by conquest.
The scenes in this part not only show the war, but also a process of tempering culture and life.
Part 2: The Birth of a Hybrid
The central panel features a Spanish soldier and an indigenous woman, symbolizing the birth of Latin American mixed-race culture. This "primitive couple" walks on the floating pattern, and underneath is the richness of the land, such as gold, silver and copper, symbolizing the gestation and cultivation of the earth. In the center of the panel is the Daughter of Life covered with a map, symbolizing the diversity of Latin American culture, all of which is nurturing hope for the future.
In the history of mixed race, isn’t it the birth and creation of something new?
Part 3: The continuation of brotherhood
The left panel shows a cactus pierced by a knife, symbolizing the absurd treatment of the people of Latin America throughout history, while its roots surround the remains of the remnants of the army, metaphorically indicating that despite the hardships, life still exists. In continuation. Above the panel are a series of national flags of Latin American countries, symbolizing solidarity and brotherhood. This mural brings together cultural memories from more than a dozen countries including Chile, Argentina and Peru.
In these flags, we see an intersection of shared identities and cultures.
Cultural symbols and historical significance
In addition to being a cultural symbol that the local people are proud of, this mural has also become a pilgrimage site for many tourists. It not only provides a dazzling display of Latin American history from the 19th century to the present day, but also shows how art has become a vehicle for national identity and cultural memory. In 2009, the Chilean government even designated it as a national historical landmark to highlight its important cultural value.
The value of a work of art lies not only in its beauty, but also in the historical and cultural significance it carries.
Through this mural, we can't help but wonder: As globalization deepens, how will Latin American culture integrate and develop?
