Address:
W 5th Street & Main Street
Santa Ana
CA
92701
Artist: Gene Jimenez
“Mestizo 2” 2022
Location: South West corner of W 5th St and N Main St intersection
“The term mestizo means mixed in Spanish and is generally used throughout Latin America to describe people of mixed ancestry with a white European and indigenous background. I honor my grandmother in this rendering of traditional mestizo patterns, as her grandfather is of Spanish descent and her mother is of Aztec origins. We are a family of various Latin and North American roots, as are many of the ‘Hispanic’ and ‘Latino’ people who come to this part of the country. Yet, we are colorful, and unique, and should be proud of our diversity, while embracing the unity of living in a community, learning from each other and honoring each other’s rich cultural histories. My native patterns are meant to reconnect and remind both the conscious and unconscious traveler who is a frequent bus rider or passer-by, of who they are, and where they are from. Many mestizos Latinos live in the area and the colors, patterns and symbols I used are indicative of patterns and color stories of ancient indigenous cultures from all the Americas. I see you all, and I am honored and humbled to walk among you.” – Gene Jimenez