Corrido De Boyle Heights

Influence on the Culture in 1980s

Presenter: Justin Lazo

Presenter Status: Undergraduate student

Academic Year: 20-21

Semester: Spring

Faculty Mentor: Anne-Louise Dierkes

Department: Art

Funding Source/Sponsor: SYRCE Symposium

Screenshot URL: https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1CUdXswLqUIbEx9JNSH9GXbRSPQZYhih9

Abstract:
My presentation is based on the monumental mural in a small town named Boyle Heights just East of Los Angeles. The mural is on the corner of Soto and E. Cesar Chavez St. and is just one of the many great murals that was created by the legendary street art duo, the East Los Streetscrapers. The East Los Streetscrapers were a collaborative public arts studio cofounded by Alaniz Healy. A lot of the members draw inspiration from their murals from either life experiences during the 1960s with the Vietnam War and any political or social issues. They told their story regardless of the time that had passed on and were recognized for their work that they elaborated on from the 60s that was actually created in the 80s.

Music has always been at the forefront of Mexican culture. Music and fellowship brings communities and families together and gives them a sense of belonging as well as hope. There are many great Mexican artists throughout our history shown in this mural such as Margarito Gutierrez. Just on top of Margarito Gutierrez in the mural, one can find Mexican singer and songwriter El Piporro playing the accordion. Among the figures in the mural, there is a lot of variety of colors used, especially bright ones that are representative of how vibrant Mexican culture is. These are often seen in the clothes that they wear, their shoes, instruments, and among mariachi bands. This is shown with a Mexican woman in the middle of the mural who wears a bright red dress and a blue veil. Her bright colors represent many things or may just be her way to express her pride in her heritage. We can also see a painting of two newlyweds with a man in a tuxedo and woman with a white wedding veil. This symbolizes the importance of marriage in the Hispanic culture. Works of art such as Corrido De Boyle Heights have been an important part of the Latino community because they represent their heritage and importance of ensuring that this is never forgotten especially among the younger generations. This way we can help to preserve these murals and make sure that their history is long lasting and cherished by the Latino communities.