Spanish 11 Adelaar Project: Alexis Diaz Mural Artist

Alexis Diaz A master of mural artistry from Puerto Rico By Payton Adelaar Spanish 11 Student Introduction of Alexis Diaz - Painter & Muralist ➢ Alexis Diaz is a renowned Puerto Rican muralist known for his distinct style using surreal imagery. ➢ His background shapes his artistic perspective, a...

Alexis Diaz A master of mural artistry from Puerto Rico By Payton Adelaar Spanish 11 Student Introduction of Alexis Diaz - Painter & Muralist ➢ Alexis Diaz is a renowned Puerto Rican muralist known for his distinct style using surreal imagery. ➢ His background shapes his artistic perspective, allowing him to capture the nuances of his Puerto Rican culture. ➢ His work often features animals and mythological creatures, blending the real and the imaginary. Alexis Diaz - Painter & Muralist New vocabulary words: “surrealista” (surreal) and “mitológica” (mythological) Puerto Rican History & Cultural Identity Puerto Rican artistic culture has three main roots, including Taíno (the Indigenous people of the Caribbean), European (specifically the influences brought by Spanish colonization), and African. Artistic expression in Puerto Rico thrives in various forms. Visual arts have produced notable painters like Francisco Oller and José Campeche, and traditional crafts, including vejigante masks and santos sculptures, highlight artistic craftsmanship. Additionally, music such as Puerto Rican salsa dancing has become internationally celebrated. As a result of the diaspora in the United States, Puerto Rico’s vibrant cultural traditions and art have been preserved in urban centers like New York City and Chicago. “Elephant Octopus” - an example of Diaz’ signature style New vocabulary words: “elefante” (elephant) and ”pulpo” (octopus) About this creative work ➢ Completed in 2013 in London. ➢ Comprised of thousands of tiny brushstrokes. ➢ The mural’s imagery, symbolism, and techniques embody and reflect the essence of Puerto Rico. New vocabulary words: “técnica” (technique) Connection to Puerto Rican culture The elephant and the octopus hold cultural symbolism: ➢ The elephant: Its strength symbolizes the endurance and resilience of the Puerto Rican people. ➢ The octopus: Its fluidity and adaptability signify the flexibility and resourcefulness of Puerto Ricans in the face of challenges. New vocabulary words: “simbolismo” (symbolism) Connection to Puerto Rican culture, cont’d … ➢ The incorporation of the tropical landscape reflects the rich biodiversity of the island, honoring its natural beauty and Puerto Rico's relationship with nature. ➢ The detailing of the mural demonstrates the meticulous craftsmanship found in traditional Puerto Rican art forms, such as masks and wood carvings of figurines (santos). New vocabulary words: “isla” (island) Cultural identity & heritage ➢ The "Elephant Octopus" mural serves as a visual narrative of Puerto Rican cultural identity. ➢ It reflects Puerto Rico’s Indigenous (Taíno), Spanish colonial and African influences, reminding viewers of the diverse origins that have shaped Puerto Rican society. New vocabulary words: “diversidad” (diversity) “Vejigante” is a folkloric character in Puerto Rican festival celebrations Other works by Alexia Diaz New vocabulary words: “crear” (create), “cuervo” (crow), “pájaro” (bird)“ Conclusion & Personal Response In addition to being a striking mural, “Elephant Octopus” by Alexis Diaz is a reflection of Puerto Rico’s culture, heritage, and identity. The mural embodies the enduring spirit and diverse influences of Puerto Rico and stands as a testament to the power of art to connect and inspire people. New vocabulary words: “carnaval” (carnival) Works Referenced Alexis Diaz. Widewalls. (n.d.). https://www.widewalls.ch/artists/alexis-diaz Jobson, C. (2017, June 10). An elephant-octopus mural on the streets of London by Alexis Diaz. Colossal.https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2013/07/an-elephant-octopus-mural-on-the-streets-of-london-by-alexis-diaz/ Alexis Diaz. Urban Nation. (2021, February 26). https://urban-nation.com/artist/alexis-diaz/ Jobson, C. (2015, July 29). Unusual hybrid animal and wildlife murals painted by Alexis Diaz. Colossal. https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2015/07/unusual-hybrid-animal-and-wildlife-murals-painted-by-alexis-diaz/ Culture. Discover Puerto Rico. (n.d.). https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/things-to-do/culture#!grid~~~random~1 New Fantastic Murals by Alexis Diaz. Fubiz Media. (n.d.). https://www.fubiz.net/en/2016/09/04/new-fantastic-murals-by-alexis-diaz/ Explora. Sea Walls: Artists For Oceans. (n.d.). https://seawalls.org/mural/explora-alexis-diaz/ Works Referenced Alexis Diaz. Widewalls. (n.d.). https://www.widewalls.ch/artists/alexis-diaz Jobson, C. (2017, June 10). An elephant-octopus mural on the streets of London by Alexis Diaz. Colossal.https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2013/07/an-elephant-octopus-mural-on-the-streets-of-london-by-alexis-diaz/ Alexis Diaz. Urban Nation. (2021, February 26). https://urban-nation.com/artist/alexis-diaz/ Jobson, C. (2015, July 29). Unusual hybrid animal and wildlife murals painted by Alexis Diaz. Colossal. https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2015/07/unusual-hybrid-animal-and-wildlife-murals-painted-by-alexis-diaz/ Culture. Discover Puerto Rico. (n.d.). https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/things-to-do/culture#!grid~~~random~1 New Fantastic Murals by Alexis Diaz. Fubiz Media. (n.d.). https://www.fubiz.net/en/2016/09/04/new-fantastic-murals-by-alexis-diaz/ Explora. Sea Walls: Artists For Oceans. (n.d.). https://seawalls.org/mural/explora-alexis-diaz/