Coming back to Mexico City after a longer absence is normally an opportunity to look for new street art that has sprung up on any of the numerous gray surfaces in this concrete jungle. However, these days normal is not that normal any longer. The Covid lockdown has also affected the mural scene, and artists also seem to have stayed in their homes, even though the spray-paint they use makes them wear some type of protective gear on their mouths. But if everyone else is confined indoors, who would appreciate their wall painting anyway?
There Are Always Exceptions
As it turns out, I was wrong again! In fact, the out-of-the-ordinary situation all around us, which has been going on for months now, has made people want to express their sentiments, particularly artists. And yes indeed, there are examples of new images on walls, such as this one I found along Periferico, the two-level highway circle running through the city. To be exact, the mural can be found between the parallel streets of Gral. José Morán and Gob José Ceballos in the neighborhood Ampl. Daniel Garza.
Love in the Time of Covid-19
The mural, painted on the outside of a residential apartment building, depicts a couple in a loving embrace. They are wearing all the recommended protective gear to minimize contagion with the latest coronavirus, which has turned our world upside down. These include face masks, plastic screens in front of their faces, rubber gloves, and even some type of hazmat suit, often seen on health care providers. The only inter-personal contact that remains under these conditions is their gaze, looking longingly into each other's eyes.
The background features stylized illustrations of the coronavirus, and our world, indicating that this is a global situation. The two characters also have a pair of wings, hinting that by complying with all these restrictions they are angels, helping all others to survive... Okay, maybe it's just me who's reading too much into it. In fact, they could also be medical professionals, offering hope in fighting the Covid.
A Word About the Artists
At first it seemed like the artist did not leave their name. However, the lettering SNEEU SKUSA on the top left brought up this very mural in a search. As it turns out, these are the names the two artist went by, who painted the mural commissioned by the city district of Miguel Hidalgo, indicated by the MH on the top right corner of the picture. I thought this would make it easy to find the identity (as well as homepage) of the artists, but that was not the case. It seems like the two would like to remain anonymous.
If you liked this, check out my developing series on Mexican murals:
Winston Churchil and the Bike Movement
The Beauty of Death and the Struggle of Life
Different Types of Wall Painting
Political Expression, The Painting is on the Wall
A Familiar Face
Chilakillers: Murals, Chilaquiles, and More
Under Metro Line 4
Respected and Less Respected Paintings
Murals of the Barrio in Aguascalientes
Murals Under Periferico
A Cartoon With A Public Health Message
A Warrior Princess in Mazunte
New Images Covering Old Ones
Get to Know Your Local Cacti
A Mural for a Movie
Commercial Murals for Small Businesses
Not Much New in Almost a Year
Feminist Art on a Blue-Collar Business
High Above the City
Laboratory Work on the Cocoa
Elite Warriors in the Parque México
A Journey Through Rock-and-Roll, Contest Winners
Playing With Bugs on the Rooftop
La Familia Burrón in the Center
Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central
New Stairs Art in my Neighborhood
Painted Garage Doors
The Children of the Feathered Serpent
Four Sides to a Water Box
Skate On Forever
A Healing Mermaid Under Mexican Skies
Axolotl in the Parque Lira
Axolotls Wherever You Look
The Rapidly Changing Wall of the Casa Picnic
Illuminated Illumination
Tlaloc in His Element
Aztec Legends in Metro Tacubaya
All Your Favorite Mexican Motives
Worsening Situation for Women
The Kiss of Death
Honoring the Departed
The Flower of Life in a Face
A Less Appreciated Wall Painting
Funky Graphics in the Condesa
When Big Red Lips Start Growing on You
New Pictures on Old Walls
A Beast With a Mesmerizing Look
Beautiful Animals in the Roma
Horrific Animals in the Roma
A Poetic Message About Tremors
Sesame Street the Mexican Way (güey)
The Turtle Center in Mazunte
B-Side Murals in Mazunte
Beautiful Art in La Boquilla
Return of the (Pinche) Chinche
A Crow, A Fly, And A Shaded Barbarossa
More Exploding Hearts in Mazunte
A Frida Kahlo Mermaid
A Small Glimpse of Zipolite
One More Mural from Mazunte
Localvore Message at La Esperanza Store