Murals are a form of art media that has been used for centuries to express ideas, messages, and values held dear by communities. They can be found in various parts of the world, including Northern Ireland, Kerala, Italy, and Mexico City. This article explores the history, technique, and significance of murals as an art medium....
The Art Media Mural
Murals are a form of art media that has been used for centuries to express ideas, messages, and values held dear by communities. They can be found in various parts of the world, including Northern Ireland, Kerala, Italy, and Mexico City. This article explores the history, technique, and significance of murals as an art medium.
History
Murals have been used as a form of expression since ancient times. In Northern Ireland, murals began to appear in the late 1970s as a visual display of a social movement that was radicalized after the IRA began to fight for a greater political voice and a United Ireland. Unionist murals quickly forewent general commemoration and became explicit signage of loyalist paramilitaries, while republican murals are less squarely militrastic and feature a broader repertoire that extends to Celtic mythology and international revolutionaries.
In Kerala, India, murals date back between the 9th to 12th centuries CE when this form of art enjoyed royal patronage. The masterpieces of Kerala mural art include: the Shiva Temple in Ettumanoor, the Ramayana murals of Mattancherry Palace and Vadakkumnatha kshetram.
In Italy, the Museum Santo Spirito (Prato, Italy) is a significant cultural and historical site that houses several museums and artworks. The complex includes the Basilica of Santo Spirito, which was built in the 13th century and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate frescoes.
In Mexico City, the Museo Mural Diego Rivera (Mexico City, Mexico) houses the painting 'Homage to Chirico' by Roberto Montenegro. This painting is an example of metaphysical art created on masonite.
Technique
The technique of creating murals involves four different processes: preparation of the ground, sketching of the outline, application of colours, and addition of decorative details. Sanskrit texts discuss in detail the style, effectiveness of different colours, desirable combinations that could be brought out by mixing various pigments, and methodology of preparing the base for application of colors and for preparation of colors from different natural sources in general terms.
In Northern Ireland, murals are painted on gable walls in working class areas of Belfast and Derry. In Kerala, murals are painted on granite and laterite walls of temples, churches, and palaces. In Italy, frescoes are created by painting on wet plaster. In Mexico City, muralism is a technique used to create large-scale wall paintings that depict historical or social themes.
Significance
Murals are an important form of expression that reflect the values and beliefs of communities. They can be used to commemorate events, people, and ideas, as well as to express political and social messages. Murals have the power to transform public spaces and to create a sense of community and identity.
In Northern Ireland, murals are a mirror of political change and display all important historic and political developments in the scope of unique wall paintings. In Kerala, murals depict Hindu mythology and are considered the oldest relics of Kerala's own style of murals. In Italy, frescoes are an integral part of the wall and are known for their stunning architecture and intricate details. In Mexico City, muralism is a technique used to create large-scale wall paintings that depict historical or social themes.
Slave Labour (mural) by Banksy is an example of a mural that was created as a protest against the use of sweatshops to manufacture Diamond Jubilee and London Olympics memorabilia in 2012. The artwork was sold at an auction in Covent Garden, London for USD $1.2 million after it was removed from its location and put up for sale in the US.
The Museum Santo Spirito (Prato, Italy) is a significant cultural and historical site that houses several museums and artworks. The complex includes the Basilica of Santo Spirito, which was built in the 13th century and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate frescoes.
Il Media Dell'Arte Fresco is a technique of mural painting executed upon freshly laid ('wet') lime plaster. Water is used as the vehicle for the dry-powder pigment to merge with the plaster, and with the setting of the plaster, the painting becomes an integral part of the wall.
Homage to Chirico by Roberto Montenegro is an example of metaphysical art created on masonite. The painting is housed in the Museo Mural Diego Rivera (Mexico City, Mexico).
In conclusion, murals are an important form of expression that reflect the values and beliefs of communities. They have the power to transform public spaces and to create a sense of community and identity. Whether it's through frescoes in Italy, muralism in Mexico City, or street art in Northern Ireland, murals continue to be a relevant and powerful form of expression.