BEAUTIFUL MURAL NOW BRINGS COLOUR TO THE US MEXICO BORDER

Two of the most recognisable bird species in the Americas are the condor and the eagle. They are therefore important to a cross-continental prophecy. It indicates that humanity has taken two different paths, albeit their precise origin is unknown. The condor folks, who were more imaginative and perceptive, travelled south, while those who followed the eagle's path, who were more intelligent, went north. They are supposed to "fly" together again, even though they had broken up. These birds flying side by side on the U.S.-Mexico border wall, where a message of togetherness feels more important than ever, were painted by artist Alfredo, also known as Libre Gutierrez, in response to this idea.

Just south of San Diego, in Friendship Park in Playas de Tijuana, on the Mexican side of the tall wall, is a mural called Abrazo Mutuo, which translates to "Mutual Embrace." The mural, which is 3,713 square feet in size, turns the rocky terrain into a vibrant, uplifting piece of art. The artwork features a condor and an eagle on a background that nearly blends in with the surroundings. It appears as though the bird could fly over the wall at any time because the higher portions of its wings stop where the wall starts.

During the inauguration event, Libre Gutierrez explained that the eagle symbolises the north, while the condor represents the south, the Andean, and Amazonian traditions. Mexico's national bird is the Golden Eagle, a symbol of North America. Additionally, although the bird next to it is a South American Andean condor, California also has its own variety, adding another level of connection. "This binational border, so active and symbolic, is the best spot to depict this union," Libre Gutierrez adds. The Mexico City-based artist, who was born in Tijuana, wants to convey a message of peace and resiliency with this painting.

MOZAIK Philanthropy in Los Angeles, California, provided funding for the project and helped the artist complete his painting on Mexican territory. The Kumiai, an Indigenous community whose ancestral lands, which are situated between Baja and Southern California, were divided when the international border was established in 1848, also performed a blessing ceremony at the inaugural event.

Daniel Watman, the head of the Friends of Friendship Park organisation, told La Jornada that Tijuana was the obvious choice. "The image of the condor and eagle embracing one another in a gesture of peace is the most fitting setting for a message like this."

This is by no means Gutierrez's first foray into positive art. He previously made a statement with Transportapueblos, a series of sculptures that were placed along the path of the train that transports immigrants across Mexico and functioned as "companions." In addition to the comforting message, these artworks provided volunteers with a location to drop down meals for individuals in need and included important information about geography, shelters, and human rights.