La Cultura Cura
by Cadex Herrera

This mural, titled "La Cultura Cura" ("Culture Heals") was created by Belizean artist Cadex Herrera for the main office of Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio (CLUES) at 737 East 7th Street, Saint Paul. With dimensions of 15 by 25 feet, the mural was inaugurated on September 10, 2022, with the purpose of welcoming the communities served by CLUES, the largest Latino-led nonprofit organization in Minnesota (Maya, 2022).​ The creation of the mural began in 2019, when Herrera and other artists completed a mural

mentorship with CLUES. Inspired by artists such as Aurora Reyes, José Chávez Morado, and

Rina Lazo —who dedicated themselves to celebrating indigenous culture and Latin American identity. Herrera created the mural as a tribute to CLUES and its mission.

 

In Herrera’s words, the mural honors the unity, cultural pride, and strength of the Latino community, integrating the muralist movement to give voice to this community's challenges and values. "La Cultura Cura" is a visual story, rich in detail and symbolism. At the center, a young woman wears a shawl with Latin American flags, representing the unifying force of culture and the protection of youth. From her hands flows a teal-colored waterfall, a symbol of purity, life, and healing that connects to the Mayan tradition of using vibrant colors as a tribute to the earth and ancestors. Among the figures in the mural, there are a variety of colors, characters, and activities that represent the richness of Hispanic culture: some dance, symbolizing the joy and energy of traditions, while others carry tools and weapons as references to the history and resilience of their ancestors. The figures and symbols in the mural not only reflect individual aspects of culture but also contribute to the message of resilience and unity that Herrera aims to convey. Below, a jaguar —a symbol of strength, spirituality, and protection in many Latin American cultures —bears spots in the shapes of Latin American countries, emphasizing the region's unity. In the sky, a bright bird, the quetzal, symbolizes freedom and migration. According to Herrera, the bird also serves as a reminder of the resilience of those who cross borders. There are also national flowers from various Hispanic countries, reflecting the unique contributions of each culture to the Latino community in the Twin Cities. In Herrera's words, the mural "fosters collective pride and reminds everyone of the strength that comes from diversity." For Herrera, the concept of representation was essential in conveying the appropriate message: one that honors the diversity of Latin American identities. The figures in the foreground of the mural represent the rich heritage of the Taíno, Maya, Aztec, Inca, and Amazonian cultures. These groups have faced erasure and marginalization, and for Herrera, it was very important to

offer an image that would adequately represent their legacies. Their presence not only pays

homage to their historical contributions, but also affirms their influence and resilience in

contemporary Latin American culture.

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Works Cited: 

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Maya, C. “On Hispanic Heritage Month, Clues Unveils New Mural.” Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, 9 Sept. 2022, https://mspmag.com/arts-and-culture/clues-unveils-new-mural/. Accesed on November 2024.

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Pappas, G., and M. Neumann. “Personal interview with Cadex Herrera.” Google Docs, 13 Nov. 2024, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PL-1yRV8Qwotdzk_-fBIgB1cPOVDBgXn20wtL_7d03c/edit?usp=sharing.

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