Title: Stop the Violence, by Raul Valdivia, Johnny Valdivia, and
Gilbert Ruiz
Location: Tucson Electric Power 27th Street Substation. On the west
side of 10th Avenue just north of 27th Street.
Details: A number of Hispanic and cultural murals that cover the TEP
substation barrier.
She Said:
These murals are quite well designed and painted, full of detailed
images that clearly convey the theme indicated by the work's title. The
history of the Anglo occupation of this area has been too often steeped
in violence, and widespread disregard for the cultures displaced by the
white-faced strangers who wrought such havoc among the original
inhabitants of the place. This mural depicts images of the various
cultures, along with a plea for understanding. Art can instruct;
perhaps it can also help heal.
He Said:
It's not often that a large corporation displays common sense, but this
case is an exception. Here, a large substation could have been
surrounded
by plain white walls that would have invited graffiti, and forced
repeated
repaintings. Instead TEP chose to have murals painted along the walls,
and they
remain relatively graffiti-free.
The particular part we selected for the image shows a Yaqui deer
dancer. In the background, the eagle and snake emblems represent
Mexico. To me this represents the blending of cultures: neither gives
up what it holds true. Instead, each gains from the other, making both
more vibrant, interesting, and enduring.
Copyright © 2004 S. Halversen. All rights
reserved.