Cesar Viveros
Location: Illinois Prairie Path | Lombard
GPS Coordinates: 41.8351619, -88.1652631
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cesar Viveros Herrera is a visual artist from Veracruz, Mexico. With more than 30 years creating public art, he has been collaborating with the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program since 1997. His public work is inspired by the communities he meets while embedding his cultural heritage and traditions, becoming part of that collective voice, individual stories to be exposed to a broader audience.
At the Graterford State Correctional Institution he led the creation of the 2003-2004 "Healing Wall" series of murals (documented in the film Concrete, Steel and Paint), this project opened the doors to many other art programs in the Philadelphia Prison, family court systems, and the youth study center. With the "Kids and Cops'' series of murals he has been able to bring together traditionally polarized groups for conversation while creating meaningful art on police stations. The massive mural unveiled at Maria de los Santos Health Care Center was dedicated to addressing the influence of stigma on mental health in the Spanish community.
In 2005 he created the first public mural that recognized the Mexican migration in Philadelphia, giving a face to the newly mobilized population of Mexicans who are simultaneously working to defend their rights in the United States and helping to bring about political change in Mexico. He believes that the history of America is made of small town's stories that can be told proudly when the individual is given the opportunity of expressing it in public settings. In Camden, NJ, Viveros has spent over two decades making sure that the good side of the story of the city is told too - in a city once labeled as the most dangerous in the country.
In 2015 with Philadelphia Mural Arts, he broke the Guinness World Record of most people painting a single mural (3000+ participants), facilitating the colossal visual welcoming to Pope Francis and the families. During the pandemic he created public art and food justice programs for the residents of West Kensington at the Iglesias Gardens (that he helped found). He promotes altar making, Aztec rituals, papier mâché cartoneria art, processions, frescos, to exhibit public space that promotes integration of immigrant groups in the region.
Title of Work: Seguimos Emergiendo
Description of Work: One of my earliest memories was watching a colossal stone head atop a terraplen on the side of the road in my hometown of Veracruz. At that time, the journey to the city was the only route available, and since then, my curiosity has always led me to explore everything related to the civilizations surrounding my state. Over the years, as a muralist, the Olmec theme has been a recurring motif in my artistic endeavors, whether in public or private practice. Its influence is evident in my murals, clay, and stone sculptures. Later cultures such as the Tzempoaltecs still carry characteristics of the Olmec style, and the colors found in the broken pottery I collect from the sugar or corn fields still bear traces that speak of the majestic people who once inhabited those lands.
For my Olmec head piece, I wanted to convey two parallel stories: that of the Olmec with their grandiose view of the world, and my personal journey migrating to the city of Philadelphia. I see parallels between the two cities, with ingenuity being of utmost importance to me. From the Declaration of Independence, aiming for true democracy on the continent, to the more iconic and popular stories of my city, such as the Rocky statue at the steps of the museum, Ben Franklin, and the Liberty Bell, among others – ah, let’s not forget the pretzels! I want people to see my piece as a storytelling of the people who once influenced the whole world in Mesoamerica, and at the same time, the parallel stories I have witnessed in Philly, the City of Murals.
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Timeline of Events
Artists in Mexico have begun painting and 15 national artists will arrive in May of 2024 to paint 15 heads here in DuPage County on-site at the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage. This exciting international exhibition has already begun and will be completed in June of 2024.
Get Involved!
Artists can only participate by way of a sponsorship. Local, state and private institutions in the US or Mexico are invited to join in this unique opportunity to showcase modern-day murals reflecting Mexican American culture and regional interpretational art. We are confident that by participating in this project as a sponsor, you will be fulfilling the mission of your organization. Sponsors will be a part of a once in a lifetime opportunity to collaborate with multiple entities and organizations around North America, which can bring more awareness and support to your organization’s efforts. We are working together for one cultural, artistic, and educational purpose that will bring so many people together in a very unique way. Additionally, you will be supporting one of your local artists taking part in a major career opportunity that promises unique experiences, enhancement of their artistic skills, and a chance to display their talents on a monumental canvas. What an amazing opportunity!