Replies

Petey... Thanks! I found this 2018 story which said it was supposed to be removed. (I Hope it was!)

https://www.outtherecolorado.com/category/denver/controversial-mural-to-be-removed-from-denver-international-airport/article_4574499d-c75c-5d42-8816-03b435777594.html

"Part of a four mural series, people often wonder why these paintings, some of which depict burning forests and dying children, were selected for Denver International Airport in the first place. Created by artist Leo Tanguma, the murals have been said to teach the lesson of the importance of peace across cultures."

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More info here.

https://www.outtherecolorado.com/category/denver/what-s-up-with-the-creepy-apocalyptic-paintings-in-denver-international-airport/article_65fdb6c4-6558-5dd1-ba44-60371a9250ab.html

"Tanguma gave a bit more of an explanation for this one in an interview with Zing Magazine, claiming that it depicts a biblical lesson from Isaiah and Micah: that it’s possible for nations of the world to stop war by joining together. He then goes on to explain that the children are dreaming of peace in a world filled with war. This falls in line with the many murals Tanguma has painted over the years, some found in elementary schools and others in prisons, many of which depict themes of growth through courage, multiculturalism, and environmentalism."

Snip.

"The larger (and happier) mural of this second set also has an important tie to Denver. While most of the children in the painting are clearly representative of various cultures around the world, a cluster of young people in ‘90s clothing can be found at the top center above the word “peace.” These faces are actually portraits of real Denver kids that died as a result of gang violence."

Snip

"Additionally, with the grand lesson of the murals – that diverse cultures coming together can result in prosperity – still in mind, their placement at DIA might be a stroke of genius. After all, an international airport like the one found in Denver is perhaps home to more multicultural interaction than anywhere else in the Country. "

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Of course the art reporter more or less says that the "Strength in diversity" message is fine and we just need work to understand it better. They can say what they want. This is a confused message that at some level offends (Deliberately I think) the sponsoring culture. Dead children. Who is responsible for the gang violence? Not thinking its gangs of cowboys.