Artists complete mural inspired by solar eclipse and national parks on Columbia’s South Main Street
December 6, 2017
A new mural has been completed by sibling artists Lauren Andreu and Daniel Andreu in the South Main Street area on the side of Immaculate Consumption behind the South Carolina Statehouse. The creation and installation of the mural was facilitated through a partnership between One Columbia for Arts and History and Palmetto Luna Arts, a group that fosters Hispanic and Latino culture through artistic creation and expression.
The mural was inspired by the 2017 total solar eclipse in Columbia, represented by the night canyon scene of Bears Ears National Monument against the daylight. Bears Ears National Monument is a monument managed by the U.S. Forest Service and is one of several protected lands that the Trump Administration has recommended in a proclamation to be reduced in size from 1.35 million acres to just over 200,000 acres, opening the land for development.
The mural references an Aztec myth of eclipses as judgment day and that if Earth were judged to be not well taken care of, the stars would turn into witches called Tzitzimitl who would come down and consume the Earth. The witches are depicted in the Aztec codex with paper headdresses, human hearts around their necks and snakes that came from under their garments.
“I’ve never been an outspoken advocate for the environment, but something about finding out that these national monuments could potentially lose their protected status did something to my soul,” states artist Lauren Andreu. “And when I read about the myths while doing research for the mural, I knew I wanted to tell that story. When you look at a place like Bears Ears and you think about the greater narrative of taking that type of beauty for granted, it makes you wonder if human kind is losing parts of its soul. I don’t think it’s too late for us, but I think the myth is a fair warning for us to take another look at our priorities. I hope the mural captures some of the mystery of what its like to witness something so otherworldly like the eclipse and so remarkable like Bears Ears. I’m hoping that it will give viewers an added appreciation for what is in our own backyard.”
“With this project, we are helping to build a sense of community where Latinos are represented” said Ivan Segura, Executive Director of Palmetto Luna Arts. “We are very excited to finally make this long awaited project a reality: a mural in Columbia, SC, designed by local Latino artists”
This mural project is also being created as part of a partnership with 933 Main Street Partners who own the property.
A reception for the artists will be held at the mural located at 933 Main Street on Friday, December 8 at 7:00pm and the public is invited to attend.
About One Columbia for Arts and History
One Columbia for Arts and History is a non-profit organization that works to promote collaboration among citizens, the cultural community, and city government through celebrations of Columbia’s arts and historic treasures. Its goal is to enhance the quality of life for our residents, attract tourist dollars to our city, and further build our vibrant community. Visit the One Columbia website (http://onecolumbiasc.com) for a continuously updated master list of art and cultural activities occurring throughout the city.
About Palmetto Luna
Palmetto Luna Arts’ mission is to foster an understanding of the Hispanic/Latino culture by promoting artistic creation and providing opportunities for cultural expression for the community in South Carolina. Latino Arts in Motion is sponsored by a grant from Central Carolina Community Foundation. For more information visit: www.facebook.com/palmettoluna
