El Grito (The Cry)

This mural was commissioned to complement a replica of the Bell of Dolores, which was donated to Los Angeles by the Mexican government in 1968. When Father Hidalgo rang the original bell in Dolores, Mexico, on September 16, 1810, his action became the opening salvo of the Mexican Wars of Independence from Spain. "El Grito, The Cry, was commissioned by the City of Los Angeles for the Placita de Dolores, across from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, California. The mural commemorates the instigating call, made in 1810, by Father Hidalgo for the peasants to revolt against the rule of Spain. Although Hidalgo and the other instigators were discovered, the Cry ultimately led to Mexican independence in 1821. As a result, control of Los Angeles transferred from the Spanish to the Mexicans for 26 years.
Carrillo developed the design for the mural through a series of large scale “cartoons” based on this historical event. He cast all 300 of his own 1 square foot ceramic tiles, incised them with the drawings, and formulated slips and glazes for painting them. He invited a team of interested students to help with all phases of the firing and installation process. By apprenticing, they gained valuable experience in the art of large scale mural design and construction." -Carrillo Photo © Ian Robertson-Salt