Monday, December 30, 2024

Affection between 2 seniors catching some sun inspired Iztapalapa mural

A street artist looking for inspiration found it in the most humble of circumstances when he saw an older couple in a working class neighborhood of Mexico City showing affection and taking some sun.

Pedro Peña, better known by his artistic name Sr. Mickrone, was painting a mural as part of a municipal mural project in Iztapalapa when Raúl and his wife Imelda, who uses a wheelchair, caught his attention.

“I was painting … when I saw a couple from the neighborhood walking with a wheelchair. They sat down to catch the sun, and I noticed that he was being affectionate and took her head onto his chest. I dared to take a picture of them from behind and I asked my directors for permission to paint a mural …

“I talked to them and mentioned that I would like to create a mural near their house where they could see it,” Peña explained.

Once the mural was finished, the artist uploaded some photos to Facebook, where they went viral. “It was surprising, I didn’t expect a reaction like that … I think it touched some very important feelings to do with the pandemic. You can see that the people are adults, and they still love each other,” he added.

Raúl and Imelda on the sidewalk in Iztapalapa.
Raúl and Imelda on the sidewalk in Iztapalapa. pedro peña

Peña also revealed how the couple reacted to having their likeness on display. “She is an old lady, 83 years old, but her face was full of emotion, she looked shocked …” upon seeing the painting.

He said the couple go out every day and sit in the same spot to enjoy the sun, and that others have taken photos of them as well.

With reports from Milenio

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
A giraffe hidden behind lush trees

Giraffe reported missing from Culiacán Zoo

5
The zoo’s new director confirmed Thursday that when he assumed his role on Nov. 7, the giraffe was already absent.
A person scrolling down through their smartphone

Mexico to launch ‘panic button’ for migrants in US ahead of Trump inauguration

37
President Sheinbaum, who has pledged to defend Mexican migrants at risk of deportation, said the "button" is expected to be available Jan. 6, 2025.
A blue mountain bike with a Rappi food delivery backpack case, both chained to a post in Mexico City.

New labor reform protects rideshare and other platform gig workers

1
The new reform gives more than 650,000 gig workers with platforms like Uber and Rappi health care and other formal workers' rights.