Tlaloc.
Vancouver Mural Festival 2020
Vancouver Mural Festival 2020
In Vancouver, we get about 165 days of rain per year. Whether we love it or hate it, rain is a big part of the city's identity. So who do we have to blame for all those drizzly commutes to work, stormy beach days and cozy weekends indoors, seeking refuge from the rain? That would be Tlaloc, God of Rain, and one of the most important gods in Aztec Culture. The Aztec’s impressive ancient capital city, Tenochtitlan, was located where Mexico City is today. Having grown up in Mexico City, I learned about the important role of Tlaloc to the Aztecs, as giver of water, rain, and earthly fertility.
In this triptych we find a representation of Tlaloc in the centre with fangs and goggle eyes formed by two intertwining snakes. To the left is his first wife, Xochiquetzal, who was the goddess of flowers and art. To the right is Chalchiuhtlicue, his second wife who was the goddess of rivers, lakes and streams.
Process
I was lucky to have a bunch of friends help me throughout the painting process. We worked on this 10mx4m wall for a couple of weeks in the scorching hot sun of the Vancouver summer, a bit ironic.
I was lucky to have a bunch of friends help me throughout the painting process. We worked on this 10mx4m wall for a couple of weeks in the scorching hot sun of the Vancouver summer, a bit ironic.
Before-After
The mural can be found at 882 East Cordova Street in Vancouver, Canada.
The mural can be found at 882 East Cordova Street in Vancouver, Canada.
