New Public Art in Mexico City Explores ‘Roots’ Theme

New Public Art in Mexico City Explores ‘Roots’ Theme

A new public art exhibit has taken “root” in Mexico City. “Raices” or “Roots” is an exhibit designed by Mexican artist Jose Rivelino Moreno Valle and intended to inspire reflection about Mexico's history. Rivelino brings 15 years of experimentation with diverse materials, forms, and themes to this public art in Mexico City that is on display until the end of February.  

A giant white root reaches fourteen historical sites within Mexico City, spilling across stone plazas and falling from the windows of colonial buildings. Curious visitors can spot the exhibit at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Fine Arts Palace, 18th century Corpus Christi Convent, Revolution Monument, or the National Museum of Art as well as the beginning of the roots installed at the Plaza of Three Cultures. 

Altogether the roots weigh a mighty twenty eight metric tons and measure three-quarters of a mile in length. The roots are comprised with a steel interior and surrounded in polyurethane and fiberglass. The $600,000 project was backed without the use of any public funds. 

Rivelino speaks to the nature of the project, “It's about questioning who we are; it's about trying to make a point about historical events.”