Francisco Eppens (1913-1990) was commissioned by ICA to create this mural, and he worked on two proposals that up till now hadn't been tied to this project. Infrastructure is an important driver that supports many industries and it is the bedrock for the development of modern citites.
History of Construction in Mexico (20th Century) by Francisco EppensFundación ICA, A.C.
Acervo Histórico Fundación ICA
Pictorial Collection
The different infrastructure layers the artist showcases describe the history of the country. The pyramids serve as the bottom layer, which served as the foundations for the creation of the city during the colonial period and the starting point for the construction of the modern city.
Tlatelolco brings together the different elements that make up Mexico's history. It is a public space that opens a dialogue regarding the complex diversity of the country, which is reflected in the Three Cultures Square.
The upper layer is crowned with the Nonoalco-Tlatelolco Urban Complex, which at the time was the largest and most ambitious housing project in Latin America, with over 11,000 homes built.
The steel Quetzalcoatl crosses the piece, joining together the different layers and historical moments. The eagle's face is a recurring motif in his work.
This mural was finished in 1964 and in 1968, Francisco Eppens would use his distinctive style to redesign the National Emblem of Mexico, showcasing once more the powerful features of the eagle.
