“Umana Rising”
This year, the Mayor’s Office of Art and Culture launched a city-wide mural project in partnership with the Boston Public Schools called Canvas of Culture.
I was selected to paint the Mario Umana Academy in East Boston. As an East Boston resident, I was happy to create locally. My artwork resonates with the Latino community of East Boston and I wanted to paint something that felt close to our Latin American roots
I started this project with community engagement. To gauge interest in participation, I offered a creative workshop and some collaborative help finding thematic direction.
To my surprise, the entire 6th grade art class, which consisted of 26 students, requested the workshop be in Spanish. This led me to search for ideas that highlight Latin-American identity and heritage.
Many Thanks to the Community of East Boston, all the Staff and custodians at the Mario Umana Academy. The Students, teachers. The Mayor's office of Art and culture, Street Theory. OLP Creative and the city of Boston.
“Umana Rising” is a mural that spans 72 ft long and 12 ft high. I chose to depict a cultural folk tale about the guardians of the earth. The native Indigenous story represents an alternative view where certain characters/energies take care of our planet.
The Jaguar: The jaguar symbolizes the land and is the guardian of the earth. In this mural, the jaguar plays percussion instruments, specifically drums. This not only highlights its strength and connection to the earth but also emphasizes the rhythmic heartbeat of the land.
The Condor: As the guardian of the air, the condor soars high, embodying freedom, foresight, and the vast expanse of the skies. Here, the condor is shown playing the gaita, a traditional Andean flute. The melodious sounds of the flute represent the wind and the spiritual realm above, bringing a sense of harmony and peace.
The Hummingbird: Serving as a bridge between the earth, sky, and the great beyond, the hummingbird represents transformation and resilience. In the mural, the hummingbird plays sonaja (shaker), symbolizing the vibrant connection between different planes of existence. The shaking of the sonaja signifies the energy and dynamism that links the terrestrial and celestial worlds.
The Eagle: Symbolizing the unity of the Americas, the Eagle acts as the overseer of the guardians. It embodies the spirit of integration and protection, watching over the jaguar, condor, and hummingbird as they fulfill their sacred duties.