|
Art in South Phoenix
Art is a major aspect of the Latino culture. This includes
everything from their food, to their businesses, to their Murals.
From just touring the city of South Phoenix, who’s population is
about 95% Hispanic, I got a feel of the Mexican culture. Everything
throughout the city is creative, artistic, and expresses some sort
of story.
One of the major forms of art that caught my attention
while touring the city was the Abstinence Mural. The mural displayed
vivid colors with words warning about sex before marriage. As James
Rojas says in his article titled The Latino Use of Urban Space in
East Los Angeles, “ murals are a form of political, religious, and
whimsical
advertisement
in barrios, each expressing different values”. In a way, it is
obvious to see that Mexican American’s use art to mark their
territory, tell a story, or cover simply cover a dead wall with
beautiful symbols and colors.
Another thing that I noticed was that a lot of the signs on
the family owned businesses were painted. The signs were very much
different from the traditional block lettering light up signs
that
we see everywhere, they have more of a creative style to them which
makes you take a second glance rather then pass right by. Also, the
items in the shops that were being sold were very festive, colorful,
and original. I visited a little shopping area and learned that most
of the stores had items such as piñatas, colorful blankets and
clothing, or decorations that revolved around the Hispanic culture.
It is very obvious that Mexican
American’s value their culture and history through their art.
Although it only exists in South Phoenix, it is recognized
throughout the world.
|