With Focus on Cultural Heritage, Work on the Largest Mural in the Bío Bío Region of Chile has been Completed
Work on the largest mural in the Bío Bío region of Chile has been completed in the city of Lota, with the title “Lota, Heartbeats for a New Generation.” A work that seeks to recognize, among other things, the importance of local women and portray the historical context of the commune.
The initiative also had the support of the ProCultura Foundation and the local municipality. The mural depicts those trades carried out by women from Lota such as laundresses, potters, and bakers, that are part of the so-called “intangible heritage of Lota.”
The mural is now the biggest in the Bío Bío region and measures 9.50 meters high and 48 meters long, containing the most representative figures of Lota’s daily life. The work was led by the artist Luis Núñez, who stressed that it was possible to meet the established deadlines despite sanitary restrictions and it is expected that in the next few days the inauguration will take place.
It is important to consider that Lota is being considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, since it contains great historical monuments such as the Isidora Cousiño Park, the Chiflón del Diablo Mine, and the Lota Historical Museum. For this reason artist chose this city for this prestigious event and, through their efforts, hope to continue adding to the artistic tradition that has endured for centuries.
A Call for Colombian Environmental Art Begins, Sponsored by "Convocatoria VII Salón BAT de Arte Popular"
Amid the varied territories of Colombia flourish a group of people who, with the aim of conveying a message of identity, engage in a unique art form. These artists, using what they can find in their environment, transform waste and natural materials into art. Their works are often made with stones, clay, elastic bands, various fibers, and also remnants of paper, cloth, or pieces of tiles that they find.
Because of this, from April 14 until July 14 in the city of Bogotá, registrations are open for the Convocatoria VII Salón BAT de Arte Popular, in which environmental consciousness and urban art combine to reward muralism proposals with a focus on the preseervation of the environment, with special emphasis on theme and the materials used. This project is designed to highlight the responsibility that we all have in the care and preservation of the environment. The production is also aimed at promoting representations of the local culture; exalting the people as a product of their history, everyday lives, customs, and beliefs; strengthening the character of the national identity while calling for protections for the natural environment.
Artists from all corners of Colombia who are clear about the importance of preserving the environment and the possibility of transforming recycled materials into popular art are cordially invited and encouraged to participate in this event
The Convocatoria VII Salón BAT de Arte Popular seeks for all artists to be clear about the importance of preserving the environment, ecosystems and the possibility of finding in this space a platform for growth and visibility for their works. At the same time, this is one of the most significant strategies for the recovery of public space, since it generates actions that promote the exercise of an active, co-responsible, and participant citizenship in the creation of a better city.
The call is open and nationwide, with the selection of applicants taking place between 2021 and 2022, and the award event in 2022. The exhibitions will be accompanied by academic and pedagogical activities, as well as audiovisual and editorial productions.