Presencia de America Latina

Presencia de America Latina is a large-scale mural in the entrance hall of Casa del Arte, stretching 115 feet (35 m) across and telling the history of Latin America through detailed scenes and symbolic representations. The artwork displays narrative imagery that unfolds across the entire wall surface, capturing different moments of the continent's story.

The mural came about following the 1960 earthquake that heavily damaged Concepción, funded by Mexico as part of international aid to help rebuild the university. This project served as an important contribution to restoring the city's cultural center.

The mural displays scenes spanning from pre-Columbian cultures to modern times, weaving together national symbols of various Latin American nations. These images blend indigenous, European, and African influences, reflecting the region's cultural diversity in a way visitors can directly observe.

The mural is located inside Casa del Arte on the University of Concepción campus and is typically accessible during the building's public hours. Keep in mind that access to university buildings can sometimes be restricted, so checking beforehand is helpful.

The artwork features three merged faces representing racial fusion, accompanied by verses from Pablo Neruda celebrating the natural grandeur of America. This blend of visual and literary elements creates something truly distinctive about the work.