Chicano Park Salvador Torres

murals in chicano park

torres raised in barrio logan, neighborhood of san diego largely inhabited mexican-americans , mexican immigrants. during lifetime neighborhood had been bisected interstate 5 , further impacted elevated onramps san diego-coronado bridge. 2 structures had resulted in demolition of hundreds of homes, including father s house torres had grown up. @ first resented bridge, began envision huge concrete pillars canvases art created. made sketches , watercolors of such project might like, , in 1969 created chicano park monumental public mural program promote vision. however, chicano park still dream, , urban wall murals rare in united states. in 1970 appeared residents hopes park going dashed once again, when bulldozers appeared @ site of proposed park, intending build state highway patrol facility there instead. there spontaneous neighborhood uprising. residents occupied site of proposed park twelve days block construction. @ community meeting deal impasse, torres publicly proposed idea of murals on freeway pillars part of park. chicano artists , sculptors turn great columns of bridge approach thing of beauty, reflecting mexican-american culture, predicted.

for 3 years, while plans park proceeding through city , state governments, torres , other artists lobbied permission begin creating murals. in 1973 received permission , painting began on march 23, 1973. torres , many other artists expanded project until became largest collection of chicano murals in world. in 1980 city designated park , murals san diego historical site. torres described architect of dream role in inspiring , launching project.