Walking through my neighborhood of San Miguel Chapultepec in Mexico City I came across this doorway, closed by the kind of steel shutter that is very common throughout Mexico. What is less common - or you may even say unique is the visual decoration on it. It's a painted mural of a balding man with a passionate look on his face. While the exact facial features can vary greatly, most Mexicans will recognize the symbolic father of the nation: Miguel Gregorio Antonio Ignacio Hidalgo y Costilla Gallaga Mandarte y Villaseñor, the man who many streets, towns, and even a state are named after, including also our administrative district.
It was this priest, who is most famous for starting the movement for Mexican independence in his Grito de Dolores. (You can read more about him here, if you don't know.) Though the character in this image looks a bit young to be Hidalgo during the most significant part of his life, the way he is made to look here only emphasizes the notion that this man... is destined for greater things that simply being a humble priest.
What adds to this mysterious appearance, is the background made up of the geometrically angular buildings in the background. This imposed modernity doesn't look out of place at all. If anything, it all reinforces the youthful look of this historical figure. The painted rooster on the buildings, and the green circular moon (if that's what it is) only adds to the surreal feel of this modern-day Miguel Hidalgo.
As for the artists behind this piece, there can be no trace of a doubt: They are philippaurand and nifi_ohui, whose online presence I could not find. This post is also part of the weekly CCC Street Art Contest which has its 105th edition. Take a look at their contest, and if you also have some cool mural pics, send them in and participate in the chance to win. If you want to see more of the Mexican murals I've posted, check out my collection in the Mexican Murals series.
Very cool shutter with this portrait. And Niti Ohui seems to be a clothing brand. Thanks for sharing these pics and info on The StreetArt Community.