The Historical Significance of Murals in Latinx Cultures 

In the book: The Art of Protest, by T.V. Reed, it is said that murals in America are often associated with Latin Cultures (specifically Mexican) due to the popularity and impact of murals in those countries in the past. In chapter four of Reed’s book titled “Revolutionary Walls” he discusses the reason behind the strong affinity between Mexican-American culture and contemporary murals. Reed states that in the 1920s and 1930s there were three Mexican muralists known as “Los tres grandes” (“the three greats). These men were Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siquieros and according to Reed they, “were important models not only as major modern artists but also as political activists who rooted muralism in support for struggles of the poorest, most exploited members of their communities.”[1] and that, “The work of Mexican muralists was extended in the United States during the 1930s through government sponsored mural programs that eventually covered the walls of hundreds of post offices and other public buildings.”.[1] One can see from the history of murals in Latin cultures that this form of art was (and still is) an extremely important and common way for Latinx activists/artists to express their ideas.