around the city

Around the city of Oaxaca 

This is an art installation near the center of Oaxaca.  It represents the mass exodus  in 1994 of Oaxacans living in near by pueblos into the US - for jobs and opportunity.  2500 figures were made in total. I heard they will eventually be installed somewhere near the Mexican-US border. Approximately 300 are currently installed in Oaxaca. The exhibit was supposed to be removed in February but it remains.  For more information on the art installation you can watch the movie on Netflix "2501 Migrants" directed by a Oaxacan woman. 

The exhibit is in front of Santo Domingo church and the Oaxacan Cultural Center.  The church was built in the 1550's.  Built after the conquistadors  took control of the area.

, Each figure weighs at least 100 lbs and needs to be crated individually. The artist apparently had a lot of help from community members.

Ethnobotanical garden

This garden was completed in 1998. The famous artist, Francis Toledo, was responsible for preserving this historic site near the Santa Domingo Church from an American corporation that wanted to build a 5-star hotel. During the excavation for the garden an irrigation system and under ground kilns were uncovered from hundreds of years ago. The fact that this garden was completed in four years and that it is only14 years old is amazing. They transplanted huge trees and plants.  The Oaxacans are extremely proud of their garden and it neighboring building Santa Domingo.

A 10 year old agave plant	These cactus were transplanted when they     were 7 ft tall. They must be at least 12-14 ft tall     now.
The kiln used to fire limestone ?	These dogs were not part of the garden but were sleeping right outside the garden door.  I see these same 4 dogs roaming the streets at night.  Looking for food I presume.

Murals on walls and buildings