Muralism as an Artistic Expression

BY: Mario Gutiérrez of Barcelona Spain

Open your eyes wide; muralism is not just a form of art, it is an explosion of creativity that overflows on the walls of our cities, transforming grey spaces into vibrant canvases that tell deep and exciting stories. As an artist, I would like to share my vision of muralism, explore who its greatest exponents are and what messages these colossal works of art convey.

Muralism: An Art That Knows No Limits

Muralism is an artistic expression that transcends the simple act of painting. It is a colorful cry that invites reflection, a protest that decorates, a visual poem that tells stories of struggle, identity and hope. From the epic murals of Diego Rivera to the contemporary compositions of Banksy, muralism continues to evolve, capturing the essence of the time and place where it arises.

Giants of the Wall: The Exponents of Muralism

1. Diego Rivera: This giant of Mexican art is perhaps the best-known of all muralists. His works, such as “Man at the Crossroads” at Rockefeller Center, combine history, politics, and culture in a powerful mix that continues to inspire generations.
2. David Alfaro Siqueiros: Another titan of Mexican muralism, Siqueiros revolutionized art with his “polyangular” technique, creating works that seem to envelop the viewer. His mural “March of Humanity” is one of the largest and most ambitious pieces in the world.
3. Keith Haring: United States (1958-1990), Keith Haring became an “icon of graffiti, the pop generation and street culture in 1980s New York.” As his popularity grew, he became more demanding: politics, illness, sex and AIDS, the virus that ended his life, and the central theme of many of his works, with which he sought to raise awareness about the pandemic of the 20th century. One of them was captured in Barcelona’s Chinatown.
4. Banksy: Although best known for his street art, Banksy has created murals around the world that address contemporary issues with irony and wit. His unmistakable style and provocative messages have made him a global phenomenon.
5. Okuda: Óscar San Miguel Erice, known as Okuda, is Spanish and one of the most internationally renowned muralists in Spain. As is the case in some ways with Banksy, the controversy has been very good for the artist from Santander, where one of his most questioned works is located. It is on a lighthouse and caused a division between people who thought it would be a tourist attraction and those who did not approve of a “traditional” lighthouse being painted in colors.

Works That Leave A Mark

One of the most impressive works of muralism is undoubtedly Diego Rivera’s “Detroit Industry Murals” at the Detroit Institute of Arts. This series of murals, composed of 27 panels, celebrates industrial work and technology while criticizing labor exploitation. It is a ballet of machines and humanity that moves to the rhythm of Rivera’s creativity.

The Message of the Murals

Murals are much more than just images on a wall; they are visual narratives that speak to us about social justice, cultural identity, resistance, and hope. These immense works force us to stop and reflect on our society, our struggles, and our collective dreams.

Muralism has been increasingly accepted in society, moving from being a marginal art to being celebrated in galleries and public spaces alike. This acceptance is largely due to muralism’s ability to connect with ordinary people, tell their stories, and beautify their surroundings in a meaningful and accessible way.

Ideas and Concepts to Inspire

1. Explore Your City: Go for a walk and discover the hidden murals in your city. Each one has a story to tell and an emotion to share.
2. Support Muralists: Attend mural exhibitions, follow muralists on social media, and if you can, buy their art. Your support is vital to keep these artists creating.
3. Participate in Community Projects: Many murals are created with the participation of the community. Get involved in these projects and help transform your environment.
4. Educate and Share: Learn about the history and messages behind the murals and share them with others. Knowledge is a powerful tool for art appreciation.

A Call to Action

Join me in this celebration of muralism and discover how these immense works can transform not only walls, but lives.

Muralism is a celebration of creativity and humanity. It reminds us that art doesn’t have to be confined to galleries and museums; it can and should be everywhere, accessible to everyone. So take a deep breath, open your eyes and your mind, and let the murals in your city speak to you and inspire you.