The Art Of Mutualism: Analysing El Marian's 'Always True' Mural

The definition of art is subjective; other people understand art as a way of life, while others define art as an expression of feeling and emotions. However, the capacity of artwork to reflect what happens in society is one of the most intriguing facets of art. Throughout the history of art, different muralists have taken different angles and styles in tackling the role of muralism in society. However, El Marian, in his artwork, ‘Always True’ (Siempre Verdadero), have taken the art of muralism to a whole new level.

‘Always True’ is an inspiring artwork created by El Marian with the help of artist Pablo Cano in 2014. The art masterpiece is located at the junction of Melían and Congreso in Barrio del Arte Coghlan, Argentina (El Marian, 2014). The mural is a painting of a young man passionately carrying his dog close to his chest. El Marian, through his photorealistic mural, tries to depict the long-standing relationship between human beings and animals, especially dogs, which for centuries have been termed as ‘man’s best friend.’ El Marian captures the unfathomed companionship and loyalty that dogs have given their human counterparts for more than 15, 000 years. He also sensitizes the society on the need to love and take care of animals.

To paint this photorealist mural, El Marian employs different techniques of visual representation to drive the work’s theme. The principle of color balancing effortlessly unifies the mural’s composition. Even though the wall is filled with grayed tones, he uses a combination of blue and white colors to draws the viewer’s attention to the central figures in the painting. Depending on the angle from which a viewer approaches a mural, their perception of its content can differ. When working with murals, it is crucial to ensure that walking by the mural and walking toward it encapsulate the same commanding presence that makes this form of visual art distinct. Therefore, using mechanisms that create visual balance is of utmost concern to achieve a leveled plain of seeing for viewers to meld interaction with the quotidian routines of its viewers. Interaction becomes natural and second-nature without losing its ability to create an impact.

Additionally, El Marian uses the rule of thirds to create a visual balance on his artwork effectively. Visual balance creates harmony in the painting that makes the art feel complete and comfortable. The most important elements are placed within the middle line of the frame drawing attention to the center of the work. (Amirshahi et al., 2014) Maintaining focus is especially important in an urban space where it is easy to become distracted by bustling city streets.

In conclusion, the El Marian art masterpiece reminds the audience of its responsibility to serve as stewards of the planet by bringing the relationship between humanity and animals to a level that most relatable to the modern context – the special bond between humans and their pets. Placing the mural within the larger urban space facilitates an understanding of the work’s purpose to serve as a reminder to all those going on about their busy days to stop and reflect on the primal joys that life provides us. Lastly, the mural reminds the viewer about the need to create an urban space that takes into account the welfare of humans but solidarity to all other forms of life. El Marian achieves these objectives through the use of visual techniques.

Works Cited

1. Amirshahi, Seyed Ali, et al. ‘Evaluating the Rule of Thirds in Photographs and Paintings.’ Art & Perception, vol. 2, no. 1-2, 2014, pp. 163–182., doi:10.1163/22134913-00002024.
2. El Marian. ‘Google Arts and Culture.’ Google Arts and Culture, Buenos Aires Street Art, Coghlan, Buenos Aires, 2014, https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/el-marian-coghlan-buenos-aires-2014-el-marian/7AFM0jQgYcmchw.