The walls of Renaico
by Hans Ross
The walls in the town of Renaico, which were battered and covered in unintelligible graffiti, were painted over to beautify our town and encourage its inhabitants to enjoy their surroundings. We can now enjoy a happy, colorful walk alongside different kinds of artwork. The wall paintings all have the same focus, highlighting the history of the town since its foundation, while representing the flora and fauna of Renaico and its environs. They encourage respect for, and protection of, the environment in our territory, while also reflecting the identities of those who inhabit it.
These open-air art galleries in Renaico have been painted by different individuals and organizations. These include the Artehaga Collective of artists and muralists from the city of Concepción; Pablo Antay, a muralist from the city of Angol; Nicolás (Sark Pewün) of Concepción; and Gabriela Vivart, who executed the “open-air museum” concept under the direction of the Renaico-based journalist and cultural administrator Lorena Pedreros. Roberto Flores, known as the “Ñanku pintor” of the city of Los Ángeles, the Renaico-born artist and painter Cristian Gutiérrez, and Jorge Zerené, also of Renaico, have also been involved.
Many other artists participated in the difficult work of restoring the walls of Renaico, whose painted colors reflect different situations, propose a message of a better future, and offer a pedagogy of the good life.
