Digital Reconsruction of America Tropical - Essay Example

The America Tropical was created during the height of Siqueiros’ haunt for justice and freedom for all oppressed. He expressed it through that mural about all race whether Indians, Creoles, African-American, Mexican-Americans who were tyrannized by their governments. The mural scandalized officials of Olvera Street because it signifies imperialism and a very powerful statement. Olvera Street is an epitome of a Mexican marketplace, which is old-fashioned, folkloric, precious, busy, crowded, and persistently evading anything about political, outrageous and political.

In other words, it is a very conservative and historic place for tourists and people who want a peaceful life in their surroundings. Siqueiros broke the silence when he painted it on the street combined with the political theme, but due to wide resistance from the officials, the mural eventually covered by white paint. But then again, the white paint in fact protected the mural from the effects of heavy rain and extreme exposure to sunlight. Due to widespread acceptance and requests from Chicano artists, they campaigned for the preservation of the America Tropical and a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the restoration of the mural through a platform at the Olvera Street.

Christine Sterling was never appreciative of this kind of artwork, she advocated for the rebuilding of the street into a tourist attraction with a theme of a Mexican marketplace. She wanted to expose the city’s Mexican heritage and even hired laborers from the recruited from the local jail to pursue her plans. She really wanted to preserve the city’s rich Mexican influence, but in essence, she never consulted the community of Mexican-Americans to discuss on how they can elaborate the significance and content of the restoration.

It is subjective and the approach is more of authoritarian rather than participatory. She deprived the real voice and symbol of Olvera Street, which is the Mexican heritage and struggle of the people in pursuit for freedom and justice. The objectives of Sterling is kind of related to the Mission Myth because of the romanticism it gets from the restoration and reconstruction project that only depicts tourism, charm and beauty behind the culture and Mexican heritage (Cadge-Moore). It does not encompass the reality of the heritage that is struggle and freedom for social justice and oppression.

In addition, elements behind Sequeiros’ mural does not complement with the views of Sterling. The mural portrayed a central figure of an indigenous peasant tied around the double- crossed wood and above the Indian peasant is an eagle representing imperialism as the artist wanted to convey the many sufferings of the people under the government tyranny. A controversial masterpiece of Siqueiros combined public street art with political and revolutionary leanings. While Sterling wanted to create a venue of romanticism and contentment.

Frida Kahlo Frida Kahlo is known for her strong and progressive character who embraced her Mexican heritage throughout her lifetime. Although less influential during her time, her works became popular in the 20th century due to Chicano Movement. She joined the revolution along with her husband, Diego Rivera. Her paintings became a symbol of her character defining her experience and sufferings. One painting is her self-portrait entitled, “