Editor's Corner
FROM THE STROKES OF THE
GREAT MEXICAN ARTIST
FERNANDO CASTRO PACHECO
Fernando Castro Pacheco is a well revered Mexican artist whose work, especially his over-sized murals, are regarded with reverence throughout the art loving world. Between 1970 and 1986 Pacheco painted 25 murals in oil over surfaces reinforced with metal and anchored to the walls of the Palace of the Governor which was built in 1892 representing the actual Palace of Government of the State of Yucatan. A selective sample of these 25 paintings is portrayed above in a revolving order.
Pacheco's work in these murals depicts the harshness of life in Yucatan and the struggle between the Maya and the Spanish. In one huge mural, measuring 11-1/2 feet high by over 20 feet wide and titled "The Conquest", the artist depicts the unbalanced power in this struggle. On one hand, the physical supremacy of the Spanish on horseback, on the other, the vigor and determination of the native, an example of resistance. Another mural which portrays the struggle between the Maya and the Spanish is the one titled "War Of The Castes" where the artist shows the natives, rather inflamed, facing the Spanish exploiter, cluthing the machete with repressed wrath, defending their women and children with strength and courage.
One of the darkest chapters in the history of Yucatan took place in the year of 1849 when Indians were sold to Cuban slavery. Pacheco, in this huge mural measuring again 11-1/2 feet high by 20 feet wide and titled "Sale Of Indians", shows a scene of the first shipment of men. The subdued coloring by the artist depicts the repressible act. One the largest murals titled "The Eternal Struggle Of Mexico" measures 12-1/2 high by 22-1/2 feet wide. Pacheco, very eloquently, portrays the struggle by using the royal eagle, symbol of justice and grandeur, valiantly confronting the serpent, symbol of vileness and wickedness.
We trust you have enjoyed viewing the works of this great master, as much as we have enjoyed bringing them to you.
James C. Stathis
Associate Editor
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