Commissioned by the Ernesto Delgado Hospitality Group for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Gala, these three 4×8’ vertical murals were designed to transform Cesar Chavez Plaza into an immersive cultural experience.
The Build
• Substrate: 4×8’ Plywood panels.
• Framing: 1×3” common board box frames for structural integrity and depth.
• Pro-Tip: I chose the box frame because plywood warps and the frame allows for easy hanging.
Art & Iconography: Interpreting Chicano Legacy
The visual narrative of this project centers on the intersection of labor, community, and heritage. By utilizing a Cubist-Abstract lens, I sought to break down traditional Chicano Art motifs into dynamic, geometric planes that suggest movement and multi-dimensional history.
The Icon: Cesar Chavez
The centerpiece of the collection is a stylized portrait of Cesar Chavez. Given the installation’s location at Cesar Chavez Plaza, it was vital to move beyond a standard likeness. This Cubist-Abstract interpretation uses sharp angles and overlapping shadows to represent the complexity of the labor movement. By grounding the piece in the traditions of Chicano Art, the mural serves as both a tribute to the past and a modern evolution of activist iconography.
The Spirit: The Market Women
The two accompanying murals depict women selling fruits and vegetables at an outdoor market—a cornerstone of community life and the hospitality industry. These pieces leverage a Cubist-Abstract style to blend the figures into their environment, symbolizing the deep connection between the land and the provider. These works celebrate the “roots” of the hospitality chain, elevating the everyday labor of market vendors through the bold, expressive lines inherent in contemporary Chicano Art.
Color Palette & Brand Alignment
The color story for these murals was intentionally curated to align with the Ernesto Delgado Hospitality Group’s brand identity. I utilized a vibrant, high-saturation palette:
• Deep Terrazzo Oranges and Golds: Reflecting the warmth of the sun and the vibrancy of fresh produce.
• Electric Blues and Earthy Greens: To provide the high-contrast tension required for the Cubist-Abstract style to “pop” in a crowded gala environment.
• Cultural Significance: These tones resonate with the traditional “Papel Picado” and Mexican folk art palettes, ensuring the Chicano Art influence felt cohesive with the elegance of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce event.
