Artist clarifies meaning of new Downtown Eugene mural

Artist clarifies meaning of new Downtown Eugene mural

Information regarding the mural that went up in downtown eugene last week -- that's got a lot of people talking.*yesterday -- we heard from the ex- wife of the person depicted in the mural -- who says it needs to be taken down immediately -- because its doing more*harm than*good.

Today -- kezi 9 news reporter kennedy dendy spoke with the artist*himself -- about the meaning*behind his work -- and why he feels confident in what it represents.

Tucked away in an alley on west park street is a tall, colorful piece of art.

Some are calling for it to be taken down -- while others are praising the message behind it.

"we started that healing work."

Rodolfo redstone serna is the*artist who painted the mural.

Much of his work focuses on communities that are marginalized.

"they're the ones that need as much access as anyone."

But there's a few different images on the mural that don't sit right with some people -- like the picture of charles landeros.

The person who was shot and killed outside of cascade middle school, after shooting at officers.

Many feel this mural paints charles as a "hero."

"he had permission to have that gun.

He went and got his permit.

He was an advocate he understood those rights."

He says the mural shares the experiences and stories of many people who just want to be seen and heard.

Bridge: serna says that this officer represents systematic oppression.

He says the officer is pulling an ear of corn --- which shows the diversity of the indigenous community.

And he wants to clear one thing up -- after many people were upset to see what is to the left of him.

Serna says -- its not a pig -- its a calla lily flower.

"people are still feeling stuff and so maybe legally it's all like squared away which i understand like that's that's the bottom line for a lot of people, but we still have to live together."

Serna said he got permission from the mother and brother of charles landeros.

"we got full support.

The other person we didn't get a response in time from so i did not put them in there then we're going to go on the other side, actually serna says he's happy to discuss his work with anyone who has concerns.

"we can have a broader discussion and i think that's what art is supposed to do."

Reporting in eugene kennedy dendy kezi 9