In Pictures

From gangsters to Mexico mural artists

Former drug gang members turn district into giant mural in government rehabilitation initiative in Pachuca.

Mural Mexico — Irving Trejo, of the artist collective Germen Crew, picks out a can of orange paint while working on a gigantic mural in the Palmitas neighborhood [Sofia Jaramillo/AP]

As part of a government-sponsored project that rehabilitates ex-convicts, former drug gang members, armed with paintbrushes, have turned an entire district in the city of Pachuca into the country’s largest mural.

The creative initiative, called Pachuca Paints, has used 20,000 litres of paint on 209 houses, creating a vibrant, colourful image that stands out from afar.

The project also aims to promote communal unity and build a sense of trust between the former criminals and the local residents.

The Germen Crew artist collective responsible for the project, claims it is Mexico''s largest mural — The Germen Crew artist collective responsible for the project, claims it is Mexico's largest mural. [Sofia Jaramillo/AP]