This mural is found on the wall of Gaylord's coffee house at 41st St and Piedmont Avenue. Muralist Rocky Baird developed “The Capture of the Solid. The Escape of the Soul” in 2006. It represents the oppression of the Ohlone peoples at the arrival of Europeans. It was a public activity to watch him on his scaffold draw and paint this large piece over a few months. It became
a cause célèbre when someone took offense of his depiction of a nude male and defaced the mural. He was accused of stereotyping and insensitivity to native peoples, although he maintained that he consulted tribal leaders to have an authentic depiction of how people lived on the shores of the bay. All the really polemical bits of the mural didn't cause a single ripple of concern. At the inauguration of the mural a small contingent of native peoples showed up to protest, a blues band entertained the crowd, and most of us just gawked at the mural. It's very complex and there's a lot to look at.
I think I'd better NOT comment on this post. I don't mean your photo but the caption. Some things make me angry so I'll just say cool shot!
ReplyDelete«Louis», having lived near Gaylord's before moving to France in 2005, saw this mural on his return from France. «Louis» understands why it is so controversial and doesn't much care for it. He feels that Gaylord's owner, Russell Brown, should have had a mural with a happier theme painted, like that on the side of the bagel shop at the intersection of Gilman and Santa Fe.
ReplyDeleteImpressive, whatever you think of the controversy. Now, Carolyn, you were joking about trains being only available in black, weren't you? I must post the replica of Stephenson's rocket on Jorvik DP.
ReplyDeleteInteresting mural with an interesting back-story. Kudos for showcasing it.
ReplyDeleteReminds me of the murals inside Coit Tower, with a contemporary twist. They are quite political, many with a socialist theme.
ReplyDeleteFascinating - is has some bizarre images, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteI'll have to get an insider reading from Pasadena Adjacent - muralist extraorinaire...http://pasadenaadjacent.com/2009/10/22/you-are-cordially-invited-to-the-grand-unveiling-of/ -- We did a joint unveiling of her and her partner's work for Fire Station No. 5 by LAX.
Interesting..and much color:-)
ReplyDeleteWish you a nice day!
With so much in this world to be REALLY concerned about, I'm always amazed that people tend to get all worked up over things that don't really matter in the big scheme of things. It's a piece of art and the artist painted it as he saw fit. I say, if you don't like it , don't go sit in front of it with your cappuccino! Your background information was very interesting. Thanks for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteThe raccoon with a fast food drink speaks ironic volumes to me.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing and not shying away from a little hullabaloo.
This is fantastic! It reminds me of the Diego Rivera's murals in Mexico City showing the history of the country and the arrival of the spanish.
ReplyDeleteyes, Diego Rivera's influence. I hope this mural stays put. I think art should evoke emotions.
ReplyDeleteV