A mural that brings back life

Pepe Sanchez Jimenez started painting the mural at the top stairs of town hall in 1987. It was covered up for over ten years and was only recently reopened. IDEAL spoke to this artist to learn more about how the first commission was made and what it was like to bring it back into life many years later.

Sanchez is a student at the Faculty of Fine Arts of Granada and has taken up a job painting a large mural using the techniques he selected. He chose the town hall for several reasons. One, because he was a resident of the house right next to it. Two, because his proposal was brought to plenary when Pepe Maranon was mayor, and was unanimously approved.

The author recalls that the work began during Felipe Lopez’s mandate. This included Felipe Lopez taking over the materials and any other personnel I might require.

Some of his coworkers looked for alternatives such as hospitals in the Alhambra city or Faculties that were still available at the time. Five months of hard work, in which not all was'sewing or singing'.

The mural's dimensions meant that the color mixtures had to be made in large containers. However, this technique was not altered by the primer underneath. Sanchez recalled that dust is a major enemy of colors, and the mural was already quite damaged as a result.

One piece was covered with paneling over the years that was supposed to cover a coat or arms of the town. Finally, the paneling was removed and the piece was left unfinished for many years.

Gallery. The work began in November, and continued until May. / IDEAL

Pepe Sanchez was contacted by Marino Aguilera the mayor of the city, a year earlier in August. He informed him that he intended to restore the mural. He returned to that project 33 years later with more fear, "because he had already become much older and because it was not clear what we were going find behind the planks," Pepe Sanchez admitted during the conversation.

It was again started in November, but it was only between the Christmas break, and the state alarm that it was last May that it was concluded. It was finished this time. Maria Jose Alcala was Pepe Sanchez's helper, and he thanked her for his predisposition to help.

The artist was faced with a new challenge. He had two choices: either he retouched the original or he made corrections. After 33 years of being a painter, he also learned how to correct his style. He joked that "if this mural is going to remain there, we will leave it as best as we can".

"The vertical lines have been restored, giving a nod towards the elegance of Renaissance geometry; colors have been sought more; the colors have been much wider and flatter and the harmony has been pampered," Pepe Sanchez stated as some of the changes or nuances that occurred in this new mural.

Gallery. Gallery. Although there are some improvements to the original design, the original composition was preserved. / IDEAL

A work without precedents in the area, other than the painting in San Juan that, due to its dimensions, portraits and style, could be compared to this one. The artist stated that there was another mural that matches the style of this one, and it is located on the staircase of the Sagrada Familia Schools.

Pepe Sanchez sees art as a way to communicate and that "art always has something for him to choose from." He was clear with this base that the Mota Forttress emblem should be displayed. In the lower portion, he wanted other elements to be shown without introducing political or other connotations. Two people are shown that don't have stereotypes. They represent the act of sowing and plowing, which is what work and life are.

Other works of this local artist can be found in the town, such as a small mural in the office of the parish priests of the Iglesia des Angustias. In the Consolacion Cloister, he also created a silhouette depicting the Patron Saint. This image is also used on large posters by the Brotherhood. He also painted a painting on the occasion. At a private level, he received numerous commissions. Some of his works were also displayed in various exhibitions throughout the municipality.

This is when the mural will be permanently displayed. The guided tours that the consistory promotes on the occasion for the open days will allow you to see and learn more about it.