description:

36'X10' photocopy mural

statement:

The Diego Rivera Gallery, located at the San Francisco Art Institute, has a massive 29'X20' mural which was painted by Diego in 1931. It is social (communist) propaganda depicting the construction of a mighty industrial future to come (which will be built only by men). This mural tends to be larger, higher, and more colorful than any of the student work showing in its gallery every week. Diego outshines each show. Having received an opportunity to present in this space, the only real and official venue for student work on campus, I saw that whatever was displayed would be in the context of the famed Diego mural which had comsumed so many student shows in the past. Battling that beast with my own propaganda seemed fit.

My distaste for the Diego Gallery is not only based on having to see student shows next to the same mural every week for 3 years. There are forces behind this. The institution which houses the mural, SFAI, uses it as a link to Deigo Rivera's name and fame for their own self promotion though SFAI never played a significant role in Diego Rivera's life, he was asked and commissioned to paint the mural. Perhaps this is no different than any other product endorsements and printing images of a famous artist's mural on school greeting cards is understandable. However, in my time spent at SFAI the school administration has communicated its lack of value in my fellow students and teachers many times in many ways. Attacking this high value Banana Republic endorsed Diego Rivera Mural brought to you by SFAI is symbolic to attacking other injustices ive witnessed while attending this institution which I care about.

click to view the mural in digital form