After famed Mexican muralist David Siqueiros was expelled from Mexico in 1932 he spent 6 months in Los Angeles, teaching and painting three murals. One of them, entitled “America Tropical” was painted on the second floor of a building on Olvera Street where it remained neglected and fading in the sun for decades.
Finally, it was rediscovered in the 1960s and in 1982 a plywood cover was installed to help protect from further deterioration. It took more than two more decades for conservation efforts to begin on this landmark work. Why landmark? It was the first Siqueiros mural outdoors. It was also created using an airgun for paint applied to a concrete surface. I wonder if he would have used spray can these days?
After the re-discovery, two parties formed regarding the mural. One group wanted to restore it to its original brilliant colors. A second group wanted to use conservation techniques to maintain it in its faded condition. Siqueiros did not care. The second group won. However, the building became the “America Tropical” Interpretive Center with displays of how the mural appeared originally. It opened in 2010.
Meanwhile the Olympics were coming to Los Angeles in 1984 and the City government commissioned murals by local Los Angeles artists. They were–and are–amazing! Particularly this one alongside the 101 freeway in downtown LA. by artist Glenna Boltuch Avila.
NOTE: these photos were taken in September, 2013 when I first started this blog.
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