Recent History

The post revolutionary period was a time of progress culture and intellectual achievement in Mexico. Public education, the national symphonic orchestra, the mural program and Cinema flourished in the 30s and 40s.  During and after the Spanish Civil War, many European intellectuals took up residence in Mexico. Many influential artists were commissioned during the early to mid 1900's often by the government many times in or on public buildings. As many Mexicans were illiterate these detailed, colorful murals often told the stories from their history - sometimes in gory details. The struggle to become independent of Spanish reign, the suffering of the peasants, tensions between the wealth of the Catholic Church and the poor and even world events are depicted in some murals.

I have to say, it is very pleasant to enjoy your surroundings, no matter where you are. But for a city to have wonderful museums, parks, and other public buildings, the everywhere you go are murals. Political figures, from thousands of years ago, up to current times appear in some murals representing good and bad depending on the individual. I remember reading Barbara Kingsolver’s book, The Lacuna, although fiction it was based a lot during this era. 

The wealthy are pictured treading on and ignoring the poor

Money going into the Church from
the poor who received no benefit

The influences of social justice were profound in Mexico, but especially because the majority of the population was illiterate and often indigenous. I believe that a lot is being rectified as free public education, social security and other government supports are established. Although we didn’t see any of the surrounding slums and shantytowns, many who are running out of water as we speak. It’s interesting to other countries and their government operation, not mention the people, the food, the land…..