It's time for another mural post, and it's time to participate in CCC's Street Art Contest, this time number ten. Last week there were only three participants, and we all won (congrats to all!). This also shows that it's fairly easy to win, just send in a cool example of street art from wherever you are. For closer info, check out the contest post.
A Jaguar with Rabbits
High above Isabel la Católica street (between San Jerónimo and Regina cross streets) in the center of Mexico City, towers a frightening image. It is the giant head of a Jaguar, top predator in the jungles of Mexico, baring its teeth at a group of small rabbits. Even though the image is a bit hard to see, being partially covered by the dome on top of the neighboring building, there is something interesting going on that changes the context of the entire painting.
More Than Mere Eating or Being Eaten
What may seem like a simple natural scene of a carnivore eating smaller herbivorous creatures, turns out to have a strong political message at a second look. If you observe closely, you'll notice one of the rabbits wearing an armband with a 43 on it. For anyone in Mexico who has not been hiding under a rock over the last six years, the meaning of this number should be clear: The Ayotzinapa 43!
Back in 2014 forty-three students at the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers' College were forcibly abducted and then disappeared in Iguala, the state of Guerrero. The case has been under investigation ever since, without much results. While officially no culprits could be found (let alone bringing the students back), to most Mexicans the case is clear: the disappeared students became victims of the state forces and organized crime cartels, which are inseparably interwoven.
The Painter of Rabbits
From the angle I took the photo, which was the best one I could find, there is no tag or signature of the artist to be seen. However, a bit of searching around on the web here revealed the artist to be ericailcane. And yes, by now I believe I can recognize his distinct style. His page shows how he likes to include rabbits in many of his pieces. In fact, the Horrific Animals in the Roma I posted about may also be his. The similarities are uncanny!
If you liked this, check out my developing series on Mexican murals:
Winston Churchil and the Bike Movement
The Beauty of Death and the Struggle of Life
Different Types of Wall Painting
Political Expression, The Painting is on the Wall
A Familiar Face
Chilakillers: Murals, Chilaquiles, and More
Under Metro Line 4
Respected and Less Respected Paintings
Murals of the Barrio in Aguascalientes
Murals Under Periferico
A Cartoon With A Public Health Message
A Warrior Princess in Mazunte
New Images Covering Old Ones
Get to Know Your Local Cacti
A Mural for a Movie
Commercial Murals for Small Businesses
Not Much New in Almost a Year
Feminist Art on a Blue-Collar Business
High Above the City
Laboratory Work on the Cocoa
Elite Warriors in the Parque México
A Journey Through Rock-and-Roll, Contest Winners
Playing With Bugs on the Rooftop
La Familia Burrón in the Center
Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central
New Stairs Art in my Neighborhood
Painted Garage Doors
The Children of the Feathered Serpent
Four Sides to a Water Box
Skate On Forever
A Healing Mermaid Under Mexican Skies
Axolotl in the Parque Lira
Axolotls Wherever You Look
The Rapidly Changing Wall of the Casa Picnic
Illuminated Illumination
Tlaloc in His Element
Aztec Legends in Metro Tacubaya
All Your Favorite Mexican Motives
Worsening Situation for Women
The Kiss of Death
Honoring the Departed
The Flower of Life in a Face
A Less Appreciated Wall Painting
Funky Graphics in the Condesa
When Big Red Lips Start Growing on You
New Pictures on Old Walls
A Beast With a Mesmerizing Look
Beautiful Animals in the Roma
Horrific Animals in the Roma
A Poetic Message About Tremors
Sesame Street the Mexican Way (güey)
The Turtle Center in Mazunte
B-Side Murals in Mazunte
Beautiful Art in La Boquilla
Return of the (Pinche) Chinche
A Crow, A Fly, And A Shaded Barbarossa
More Exploding Hearts in Mazunte
A Frida Kahlo Mermaid
A Small Glimpse of Zipolite
One More Mural from Mazunte
Localvore Message at La Esperanza Store
Welcome to the New Normal
Frida Kahlo's Mask Adivsory
The Sacred Condiments
Love, Death, and Some Very Diverse Characters
A Flaming Child