Alejandro Santiago lives!

"El arte cambia mi comunidad."

"Art changes my community."  This is so true.  One of the things I love most about Oaxaca is that art, in all its many faces, is so public and prevalent, a vital part of the social fabric.  And it does change the city and surrounding villages.  So, on one level, this billboard on the way into the city really resonates.   Art is one of the best parts of life, ever changing and ever stimulating.  However, there is more to this billboard.  The painting is by Alejando Santiago and art really did change his village.

One of his most famous and important works, 2501 Migrantes, told the sad story of his village.  I wrote a few posts about it.  The first, when it was at CASA in San Agustin Etla and another when it came into the city.  It is such a powerful work on so many levels.  It created change.  It certainly changed me and gave me insights.  Sadly, the maestro died at an early age.

 

It is wonderful to see his art displayed so prominently and with such a powerful message attached to it.