"Tropical
America" was painted by the great Mexican muralist David Alfaro
Siqueiros and is one of the first outdoor public paintings in Los
Angeles. Siqueiros painted the mural while in exile in 1932 and
described his hope to produce a, “great uncovered mural painting
in the free air, facing the sun, for the masses.” Reflecting
Siqueirio’s communist affiliation, the mural condemns of US
imperialism while highlighting the resistance of Mexico’s
indigenous population. Los Angeles’ leaders found it so offensive
that within a week of its unveiling the mural was whitewashed. Although
the mural cannot be restored due deterioration, efforts are underway
to install a viewing standing and interpretation center so that
the public can appreciate both the mural and its past. |
