UC San Diego is unveiling a Chicano history mural by world-renowned San Diego-based artist Mario Torero. The art project was commissioned to celebrate UC San Diego’s diversity and reflect the real communities of California. “The campus Chicano community is extremely pleased and students from diverse backgrounds are looking forward to what will be a major event in the history of UC San Diego,” said Jorge Mariscal, UCSD professor of literature and director of the Chicano Studies program.
A native of Peru, Torero lives and works in San Diego. Torero has been using his talent to embody in visual images the hidden history of Latino communities for many years and he collaborated with UCSD students and staff on the design of the Chicano history mural. “Torero’s images are at times considered provocative by non-Latino publics and always resonate positively for those familiar with the cultures of Spanish-speaking peoples in the Americas,” Mariscal said.
The images in the mural represent key elements of Mexican-American history and culture in California and feature iconic figures such as Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta.
The mural is a temporary installation on canvas. It will hang in Peterson Hall during the fall quarter through Dec. 12; afterwards it will be available for future installations. The unveiling will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 14, noon to 1:30 p.m. at Peterson Hall.