Oaxacan Neomuralism, It’s Maximum Ambassador: Irving Cano

Muralism is the art of painting, using walls as a canvas, which give life to large-scale pieces of art. Muralism is part of the Mexican idiosyncrasy, it developed strongly in the 20’s and 30’s. And just as their society has evolved, so has this national art. The current artistic movement of the mural resurfaces with different techniques, thoughts and bases; but it propagates the same idea, to honor Mexican muralism.

Oaxaca offers the ideal cultural context for the birth and flourishing of great talents. It is precisely its multiculturalism that makes Oaxaca a hotbed of talent. One in particular, a passionate about color, a non-conformist. Irving Cano.

Originally from the region of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca. Irving, a neomuralist and plastic artist, began in urban art at the age of 16, under the influence of graffiti. Without any knowledge, but with all that creativity throbbing inside and that huge desire to tell its origin.

Recalling the muralism of yesteryear, his art has a dual character focused on the worldview and the common good. His works show a hyperrealism that shudders. In his creative process he incorporates the use of aerosol and consumes with a composition of colors, unique to his ingenuity. This is the new proposal to do muralism in Oaxaca.

His work has achieved national and international acceptance and recognition thanks to his original creations, characterized by carrying as a theme the traditional symbols of his place of origin. Through his art, he tells stories, presents us with real-life characters, the flora and fauna of the area, with painting as a language he tells us about his roots, Irving has made telling Zapotec traditions his mission.

His work is found in a large part of the Mexican territory and has spread to countries such as: the United States, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and the United Arab Emirates.
His art will become part of Mexico’s history, as he was chosen by the Department of Public Education to illustrate the cover of the third-grade elementary school book.

Cano is a loyal lover of the Oaxacan coast, especially of Huatulco, he continually visits it, he comes here in search of inspiration.

With his creativity, his hands, his aerosols and his brushes, Irving has exalted various spaces in Huatulco. Thanks to the appreciation of the art of business owners, the streets and some places of beautiful Huatulco are home to the works of the Oaxacan artist.

The main square of La Crucecita, the heart of Huatulco, houses some of his most famous works, for the appreciation of locals and foreigners.

Evolution. It speaks of the evolutionary transition of the Zapotec culture, identity and ancestral preservation.
📍 Xipol Restaurant | La Crucecita, Huatulco.

Bie’che (rejoice in Zapotec). It transmits the emotions experienced in the traditional festivities of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
📍 Restaurante Bie’che | La Crucecita, Huatulco.

Zapotec Dragon. The duality of two cultures that share a parallel worldview, beings descended from the heavens and the clouds.
📍 Sushi Tonoshika | La Crucecita, Huatulco.

Zapotec Reminiscence. It shows how the identity of an ancient culture has been preserved, surviving through the new generations.
📍La Crucecita-Centro, across from Plaza El Madero, in Huatulco.

Huatulqueña. It shows how the identity of an ancient culture has been preserved, surviving through the new generations.
📍La Crucecita-Centro, across from Plaza El Madero, in Huatulco.

Santa Cruz. As a tribute to this bay, the work highlights Santa Cruz emblematic sites, as well as the contrasts generated by multiple colors of flowers.
📍Hotel Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz, Huatulco.

For Irving Cano, it’s important that his art be appreciated and reach as many people as possible. He is very pleased to have created a series of seven murals for the enjoyment and admiration of the residents and visitors of a large condominium complex located in Sector H3 in Huatulco. Irving captured his art in the walls of this housing complex, and below we mention just a few of his murals.

Niño Cocijo. Zapotec deity of rain and all terrestrial sources of water.

Water is life. It shows the vital element for human existence on this planet earth.

La Istmeña. This is how the woman from the region of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec is known, who proudly and elegantly wears her regional costume.

El Istmeño. Zapotec man originally from the region of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, who is always seen looking like a catrín in the local festivities called Velas. (Nightly patron saint celebration)

Mother Earth. From the depth of its marine waters, it protects and preserves its living beings.