The Zapatistas are an indigenous organisation from the Chiapas region of southern Mexico. They are socialist in ideology and provide much needed support and protection for the people of that area. Over the years, the Zapatistas have developed their own unique culture based upon their Mayan heritage. They were obliged to wear balaclavas, ski-masks and other coverings to hide their identities from aggressive and hostile Mexican authorities, and this has become a part of their public face (so to speak). But it is their art that stands out. Their murals are world renowned, presenting to the delighted eye a palette of colour and form. Although relatively abstract, it contains profound messages. There has been a major display of this art form in Cuba, long a supporter of the Zapatistas. Well worth the look/see that follows.

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