Liberty and Education on the Crêperie de la Paix [CCC's Street Art Contest #103]

The Condesa neighborhood in Mexico City is known for its fine dining, of which the Crêperie de la Paix is a typical example. It is located on the intersection of Ave Michoacan and Av. Vicente Suárez, and it offers a selection of French cuisine, at modest portions, overpriced rates, and average taste. Just as you would expect. However, the items on the menu are not what I like most about this restaurant. It is much rather the large wall above its main entrance, which has been the canvas for various murals over the years. (Though I don't think I presented any of them in this series.)

Classic European Flair

The most recent wall painting above this restaurant is this interesting image, featuring a bust of what I believe looks like Pallas Athena, a raised fist holding a carnation (?) flower, and a pair of tulips in a sake bottle. A couple of candles and crystals complete the impression of the new-age hipster culture, which fits the Condesa quite perfectly. Otherwise, this gives us a great oportunity to puzzle out the symbology of this mural.

The goddess Pallas Athena is associated with the arts, education, science, knowledge, (but interestingly also handicrafts and warfare). The lit candles only go along in supporting this focus on wisdom and learning. The raised fist is generally a symbol for rebellions and sociopolitical uprisings, while the carnations represent social democracy, tying into Athena's field of educated warfare, and the struggle for the liberation of the mind (if you want to follow trends of the age of enlightenment). The tulips on the other hand symbolize... well, here I really have to use my creative imagination... investing in cryptos, of course!!! (Okay, I really could not come up with anything better.) The fact that they are placed in a Japanese sake bottle only adds to this weird juxtaposition of ancient values fought over in the previous centuries to the completely foreign and different ideas offered to us in the most recent years. Neo-classic Europe alongside pan-global modernity? Sure, why not! Though the interpretation is certainly in the eye of the beholder...

Credit Where It Is Due

The artist who left her tag on this mural is none other than Monica Loya. Please visit her social media sites for more similarly amazing works. This post, as always, is pat of the CCC Street Art Challenge where you too can participate if you have some cool mural pics you want to post about. If you would like to see more awesome murals in Mexico, visit my Mexican Murals series.