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From gangsters to Mexico mural artists

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

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]
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]
By Al Jazeera and Agencies
13 Aug 2015

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 government-sponsered project is called Pachuca Paints Itself and aims to promote community teamwork. [Sofia Jaramillo/AP]
The government-sponsered project is called Pachuca Paints Itself and aims to promote community teamwork. [Sofia Jaramillo/AP]
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An initiave made in coordination by the national and local governments changed the face of this small, violent neighbourhood located 100km from Mexico City, by asking graffiti artists to paint the biggest mural of the country. [Omar Torres/AFP]
An initiave made in coordination by the national and local governments changed the face of this small, violent neighbourhood located 100km from Mexico City, by asking graffiti artists to paint the biggest mural of the country. [Omar Torres/AFP]
The Germen Crew artist collective responsible for the project, claims it is Mexico's largest mural. [Sofia Jaramillo/AP]
The Germen Crew artist collective responsible for the project, claims it is Mexico's largest mural. [Sofia Jaramillo/AP]
An artist paints a wall of one of the alleys of the hill ''Las Palmitas'' in Pachuca. [Omar Torres/AFP]
An artist paints a wall of one of the alleys of the hill ''Las Palmitas'' in Pachuca. [Omar Torres/AFP]
Germen Crew artist collective member Carlos Duarte is accompanied by young Regina Robles, as he paints a section of a gigantic mural in the Palmitas neighborhood of Pachuca. [Sofia Jaramillo/AP]
Germen Crew artist collective member Carlos Duarte is accompanied by young Regina Robles, as he paints a section of a gigantic mural in the Palmitas neighborhood of Pachuca. [Sofia Jaramillo/AP]
They have spent the last 14 months creating trust with the community, and working with residents to paint their homes with bright colorful designs. [Omar Torres/AFP]
They have spent the last 14 months creating trust with the community, and working with residents to paint their homes with bright colorful designs. [Omar Torres/AFP]
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The project aims to bring the community together and rehabilitate the area. [Omar Torres/AFP]
The project aims to bring the community together and rehabilitate the area. [Omar Torres/AFP]
Blueprints and photos are displayed in the headquarters of the artist collective Germen Crew. [Sofia Jaramillo/AP]
Blueprints and photos are displayed in the headquarters of the artist collective Germen Crew. [Sofia Jaramillo/AP]
The creative collective has used 20,000 liters of paint on 209 houses. [Omar Torres/AFP]
The creative collective has used 20,000 liters of paint on 209 houses. [Omar Torres/AFP]
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