Check Out This Monumental New Mural in Iztapalapa Supported by Montana Colors Mexico

MTN News speaks to Montana Colors Mexico about a huge mural paying homage to the heritage of Iztapalapa in Mexico City.

As home to nearly 2 million residents, the Iztapalapa area of Mexico City is one of the most populous districts in the country. As well as all the rich cultural heritage associated with the working-class area also has familiar problems to overcome associated with such huge communities: transport, sustainability, domestic violence and crime.

Murals which involve local residents in their creation can go a long way to remind locals of the beauty and tradition of a neighborhood and restore civic pride – precisely the aim of this project overseen by Montana Colors’ Jorge Rodriguez and Jesús Hernández. MTN News got in touch with the men in Mexico to talk about the ambitious team effort.

How did the project come about?

The Iztapalapa Mural is a program designed to draw attention to the right of our people to have an decorated public space, recovering the spaces for community life where abandonment generated insecurity; transforming the gray, sad, dark Iztapalapa into a colorful, bright and happy neighborhood.

These interventions aim to provide citizens with a voyage full of art and imagination that makes their transportation not only safe, but also a relaxing and dignified experience that fosters sensitivity and pride in belonging to this area famous for its history, traditions and talents.

What was the exact role of Montana Colors Mexico?

Not only did MTN provide the material, they also collaborated in the artistic training of the artists involved by providing them with tools that perfected their style and technique, helping them to find new forms of expression and artistic experimentation.

Who were the artists involved?

Throughout the project, more than 160 national and international artists worked together. Some actually started their careers in the art world with this project, while other artists boast an extensive career.

Among the artists who participated in the production of this wall are Jokas, Tense and Yago.

What does the wall represent?

The composition of this mural is made up of different visual elements: birds that represent freedom, flowers that signify the vitality of life and as a central character, the face of an old woman that symbolizes the daily struggle of all the women in the community who take this journey.

The design of the mural means it can be fully appreciated from above in order to see all its details.

How was received by the local residents?

It’s a space that allows us to peek into the world of artistic talents that exist among the people, and many of them remain anonymous. I hope opportunities will arise to develop and express personal capacities and even make a living from them, especially for our young people.

Want to find out more about the scene in Mexico? Read about the country’s biggest mural in Pachuco, Mexico City and meet the boss of the Montana Shop Monterrey.