Historical Process And Today’s Applications İn Political Mural Paintings

Abstract

Political wall paintings have served as a significant artistic form for conveying social and political messages throughout history. Originating in Ancient Rome, this tradition continued through the Middle Ages with religious and social themes (Erdoğan, 2023). From the 19th century onwards, revolutionary movements adopted political wall paintings as a powerful tool for spreading social and political ideologies. Diego Rivera’s murals during the Mexican Revolution are a notable example of visual representation of socialist ideologies. Additionally, socialist and labor movements in Europe demonstrated how wall paintings could articulate demands for social justice and equality (Karaca, 2022).

From the mid-20th century, political wall paintings began to spread globally and were embraced by various social movements. In the 1960s, the influence of student and labor movements led to an increase in political and social messages displayed on city walls. The graffiti and murals on the Berlin Wall became symbols of the Cold War, serving as both protest and cultural expression. In Latin America, particularly in Chile and Argentina, such artworks became symbols of opposition and resistance during military dictatorships. Today, the impact of digital media and social media platforms has broadened the reach of political wall paintings, enhancing social awareness. This article examines the historical evolution and current practices of political wall paintings, emphasizing their role in societal changes (Uzunoğlu, 2022).