Art in Motion
Chicano Park Restoration 2023-2024
Berenice Badillo, Sandra Carmona, Selina Calvo and Jennifer Clay
Berenice Badillo
This original mural created by Berenice Badillo in 1997 will be restored in the national historic landmark Chicano Park in San Diego California. “Mural in Chicana Park” was created during a time where mural painting was not allowed due to Caltrans wanting to destroy the murals to make them earthquake safe. Chicano Park hold the largest collection of Chicano murals in the world.
Mural painting is and continues to be a male dominated field. Chicano park was the only place where Berenice could see images that looked like her, stories like those of her family and where she could be proud of her culture. Berenice painted this mural mostly on canvas and in an act of rebellion pasted on the pillar.
This mural images start and end with strong women. Women that were warriors not just naked and depicts struggle, connection and intergenerational knowledge.