Nov. 2, 2016 @ 12:00 am
The #ElMeroMuro project brought eight murals and one mural workshop to downtown Austin this year to increase relevant cultural messages and imagery in the downtown community. Bilingual marketing imbues a sense of welcome for Spanish-speaking community members while providing an access point of exploration, education, and solidarity with Mexican culture.
About the Artist
Oscar Magallanes was born in 1976 in Duarte, CA. He recalls, “The first art I saw were murals of Zapata and Mexica glyphs from the Chicano movement. These were juxtaposed next to homeboy role calls and Old English writing. I didn’t see a gallery or museum until I was 15.” After a troubled youth and his expulsion from high school at the age of fifteen, Oscar was accepted into the Ryman Arts program which he credits with encouraging him to pursue a career in art.
From 1998 to 2003 Oscar’s studio was located in the thriving Pomona Artist Colony. Oscar also worked closely with the late Gilbert “Magu” Lujan. In 2010, Oscar was instrumental in Self Help Graphics participation in the international print fair, Philagraphica. He also curated a Self Help Graphics and Art exhibition at Sol Collective in Sacramento, CA.
Currently he is serving as a board member for Self Help Graphics and Art. Oscar is also a member of the Inner-City Arts Young Professionals Advisory Board. This is considered one of the finest arts education programs in the nation, providing elementary, middle and high school students, many living in Los Angeles’ poorest neighborhoods with tools and skills that help them achieve academically.