Pueblerismo, colours that give life

On the Mexican Caribbean coastline in Chacchoben, Quintana Roo, Chacchoben, the Pueblerismo project with the artist Carmen Mondragón uses participative art as a tool for social change to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants.


The town of Chacchoben in the state of Quintana Roo on the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico has a population of about 1700 and hosts one of the region's largest Mayan settlements. And although everything is focused on the world of tourism - with Chetumal city only 85 kilometres away from the town - very little is done for the locals.
Which is where “Pueblerismo” by the C.M. Cultura association comes in. This artistic and painting initiative focuses on disseminating art and other cultural activities through touring projects, as we've seen already in Mexico, like Proyectos Impalas, the mobile art gallery in Tijuana (link).
In Chacchoben, the association - originally founded by the artist Carmen Mondragón and now formed of a group of associates with different specialities - has proposed to revive the town as part of the Pueblerismo project, by creating murals with the community on the walls of the houses. A simple but effective way of bringing art to the people, far from official institutions, and of course also the perfect tool to help locals build a closer bond with their hometown and to boost social engagement amongst the members of the community. 
80 murals have been painted, together with the artist Carmen Mondragón, since 2013, when the initiators made their first trip to Chacchoben for a truly eye-catching impact and to the joy of the residents who have had the opportunity to decorate their homes. It is hoped that this artistic initiative can also become a new tourist attraction and bring wellbeing to the community.

Christiane Bürklein

Project: C.M. Cultura with the artist Carmen Mondragón
Location: Chacchoben, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Year: 2013-2017
Images: courtesy of CM Cultura A.C
Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/cmcultura/