Sometime last night, the recently inaugurated mural by the Tlacolulokos was defaced. And we are left asking, why?
The message, purportedly by anarchists (given the presence of their symbol) is calling the artists “Oaxaca indigenous traitors.” Due to their collaboration on the mural with the Canadian government??? I don’t know. But what I do know is that I am sad and angry at this attack on the right of artists to create without censorship or intimidation.
Update: The mural has been repaired. However, click HERE for a communiqué regarding why it was defaced.
Mexican Peso Converter
View From Casita Colibrí 
I was saddened by much of the graffiti I saw in Oaxaca (sometimes on ancient walls), but this is truly terrible.
Usually, the targets of this kind of vandalism has been directed at those in power, like banks, government buildings, churches, etc. That’s why this was so shocking.
This world is getting crazier by the second! That is so sad to see the mural defaced. We have to keep up the fight ‼️ Wish I could be in Washington DC right now for the Women’s March so very important.
I, too, wish I could be marching in el norte today.
Not that long ago there was an honor code protecting street art from vandalism. But now that seems to be fading. It’s so much easier to scrawl across a piece of art than to actually put in serious work to create a meaningful message. Such a pity.
This was the first time I’ve seen this kind of vandalism to a mural like this.
Very sad indeed.
Seeing it defaced brought tears.
Believe this a TOTAL misunderstanding. The indigenous Anishinaabe are NOT the Canadian Govt. A propaganda assault by rightist elements. ; Best to ignore;
Is there a “Hashtag ” social justice for the first “Americans”? Aka Indigenous ?
The Canadian Govt. was involved in sponsoring this mural (part of the Encuentros indígenas: Canadá-Oaxaca 2021) by the Tlacolulokos (Zapotec arts collective from Tlacolula) and Rolande Souliere (Anishinaabe of Michipicoten First Nation, born and raised in Toronto). I think this is an attack by supposed anarchists on the indigenous artists because they took part in this officially government sanctioned project. It is so wrongheaded, counter productive, and infuriating!
Sorry, and thanks for correcting my misunderstanding Shannon. Yes quite infuriating. Unsure if related, but there was outrage here on Truth and Reconciliation day when our PM chose to attend a personnel outing, instead of T&R ceremonies. On the plus side, a Fed. Court tossed out the PM’s shameful attempt to block compensation re missing children in residential schools.
“Anarchists” decrying “indigenous traitors”? Bullshit. Vandals. Vandalism. What a shame.
How to win support. Not!