After Independence, art remained heavily European in style, but indigenous themes appeared in major works as liberal Mexico sought to distinguish itself from its Spanish colonial past. This preference for indigenous elements continued into the first half of the 20th century, with the Social Realism or
Mexican muralist movement led by artists such as Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, José Clemente Orozco, and Fernando Leal, who were commissioned by the post-Mexican Revolution government to create a visual narrative of Mexican history and culture and Mexico developed a reputation as an artistic powerhouse.
The strength of this artistic movement was such that it affected newly invented technologies, such as still photography and cinema, and strongly promoted popular arts and crafts as part of Mexico's identity. Since the 1950s, Mexican art has broken away from the muralist style and has been more globalized, integrating elements from Asia, with Mexican artists and filmmakers having an effect on the global stage.
One area of this increased exploration is street art. Street art is important, because it’s a way to free oneself from violence and oppression. From the economical and political situation in Mexico and Latin America arose the necessity to express feelings and to react. Artists feel that it’s important to make art on the streets because it’s an important platform for denunciation. The street is the biggest gallery an artist can hope for.
