Hector Duarte Art in the community

Chicago artist Hector Duarte shares his passion for art through a mural created on the south side of Chicago while sharing the experiences that lead him to success. 

Growing up in Sonora, Mexico meant that he was not exposed to murals. The closest thing to murals in his home town was painting found in the temples in church.

“I did not know anything about murals other than what I would see in the temples. In Sonora, we have big temples that I would observe and daydream looking at the images without really thinking much of what the meaning behind it was.” Says Hector Duarte. Rather than finding the meaning of the paintings, he focused on the format and techniques. It wasn’t until the age of 20 that Hector Duarte knew he wanted to become an artist and left his hometown and moved to Mexico City. There he followed the footsteps of other artists where he was able to get a job as an assistant which opened many doors. 

“I bought my ticket and arrived in Chicago in 1978 for the first time. I was at the conference and we did a live practice and I would assist him and teach the other painters how to go about when painting a mural.”

Hector was able to grow his passion in Chicago since according to him “street art was common and easy… In Mexico, it was not since it was not a movement. It was only in public and government-funded buildings.” Which eventually lead to one of his largest murals.

“In 1995 I finished La Loteria that is in the outside of the Swaporama a total of 20ft x 420 ft located at 42 and Ashland. It took us three summers and just two people working on it.” La Loteria is more than just a mural as it was inspired by a Mexican board-game he played as a child. Through this mural, he is able to share a special part of his childhood while also bringing art into the community. 

For more information on Hector Duarte visit his website: https://www.hectorduarte.com/Artist.asp?ArtistID=22741&Akey=MNDGM7X3

— Celeste Sanchez

Staying home?

How has COVID- 19 affected the life of Chicago residents and what are the ways they are coping with this situation?

COVID-19 has affected many people in Chicago. From schools closing for the rest of the school year to the closure of many shops and restaurants along with multiple events getting canceled. Social isolation has created uncertainty due to the drastic change in the life of many Chicago residents. While some Chicago residents have lost their jobs, others continue to work during this epidemic.  

University of Illinois at Chicago undergrad student Sirlaurence King gives great insight on how the COVID- 19 has effected his 66-year-old grandmother. He provides us with an interview on his news blog called Laurence News which allows others to understand how his grandmother with pulmonary lung disease is coping with the situation. 

He starts off the blog by adding a brief introduction to this topic, in this case, the COVID-19 and how it has affected people worldwide. Followed by the interview itself as shown below: 

“What personal changes have you made in your life due to the virus?

Grandma: I do not go outside for any circumstance because of the virus. I have been trying to limit the amount of times people go in and out of my house. I also require people to take their shoes off outside and wash their hands before coming in.

Have you been able to do a good job with social distancing?

I would like to think so. I pretty much stay in my room for the most part unless I am coming out to clean, cook, or use the bathroom.

Are you prepared for possibly being stuck in the house for the summer?

I really hope it does not extend that long, but if it does I will do what is best for not only my health but the health of others.

Does anyone you know have the virus?

My daughter works for the CTA and someone at her garage tested positive for Corona. She got tested and they are waiting for her results. Other than that I do not know anyone who has tested positive for Corona.

 Has the government done a good job at handling this situation?

At first I would have to say no, but I do believe they are getting better. With people being laid off from work the country is supposed to start sending checks out to everyone which is great.

 Do you have anything else you would like to add?

No, I just want everyone to stay safe and stay indoors!”

While the interview provides great insight on how his grandmother is taking safety production I would have liked to know how the COVID-19 outbreak has affected her health routine. Such as doctor visits and how she gets hold of medication for her lung disease if any. Shifting the focus of the interview to how his grandmother’s lung disease care is affected by the COVID- 19 would enhance his interview by allowing others to understand how people with diseases are in an even more difficult situation.

To read the full story visit Laurence News at:

https://laurenceinfo.wordpress.com/2020/04/14/how-has-corona-changed-your-life/