SDSU School of Art + Design Event
November 18 through December 9, 2015
In 1973, the Chicano Movement in San Diego was at its height, and local artists who were a part of the takeover of land under the Coronado Bay Bridge began painting murals in what came to be called “Chicano Park.” When the movement and the murals in the park began to receive international recognition, a French reporter representing the Alice B. Toklas Collection came to San Diego to interview local artists for a story. She brought with her a copy of the famed 1957 David Douglas Duncan photo “Picasso’s Eyes.” At the time, local artist Salvador “Queso” Roberto Torres handed the photo to Mario saying, “Here, take it. You’ll know what to do with it.” Picasso, who already stood as a much-loved and iconic figure for local Chicano artists, had recently died. Five years later, in 1978, the reporter’s gift would inspire Mario to paint his first of ten “Eyes of Picasso” murals on the four-story Community Arts Center in downtown San Diego. Other “Eyes” murals would eventually crop up in Barcelona, Lima, Toledo, Ohio, and of course, Barrio Logan.
“The legacy of the Eyes of Picasso is really the legacy of Chicano Art – the legacy that we carry forward for the planet, for the world. We were internationalists. We were of all colors. We were the rainbow coalition,” Mario said. For him, the Eyes have tremendous power, reflecting the historical persistence of San Diego artists and their quest to create more art in the city, moving toward what he hopes is the establishment of a permanent arts district in downtown San Diego. Mario said that painting an Eyes of Picasso mural at SDSU is more than what it seems – a nostalgic review of something already done. “When we look at the eyes, we recognize that those are human eyes. There’s a realization that we might be looking at ourselves. The mural is more than just the image of Picasso, but it is the spirit of Picasso – creative, concerned for humanity, and a person that acts upon his inspirations…. Maybe they’re looking at their father, angry at them. It commands respect.”
Live Mural Painting Party
Wednesday, December 2 from 4:00 – 6:00pm
* The School of Art + Design we will be having a live aerosol art demonstration on our new mural installation with participation by SDSU Students, artist Mario Torero and muralist Isaias Crow!
Learn more about artist Isaias Crow.
SDSU Main Campus: School of Art + Design
Art North Building, 5th Floor
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182
(619)-594-6511
Opening Reception: Mural Reveal
Wednesday, December 9 at 3:30pm
*The School of Art + Design we will be unveiling and celebrating it’s new mural completed by SDSU Students and artist Mario Torero
SDSU Main Campus: School of Art + Design
Art North Building, 5th Floor
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182
(619)-594-6511