Reynaldo “Guaracibo” Rodríguez, a mural artist, describes his latest work in Humboldt Park as a deeply personal piece that reflects his life experiences rather than engaging in political themes.
The mural features a striking image of a baby drawn in soothing shades of blue, symbolizing Rodríguez’s 27-year-old son who has autism.
On either side of the baby, anatomical hearts colored in deep red, pink, and purple represent the four heart attacks Rodríguez has survived, weaving his personal health struggles into the artwork.
Above the image of the child, the phrase “Seeds from our past” arcs across a nighttime representation of Puerto Rico, Rodríguez’s home island.
The moonrise in the mural casts a delicate light on three homes perched on stilts, each representing significant locations in his life: the house where he was born, as well as his aunt’s and grandmother’s homes.
Further enriching the mural, vibrant banana leaves and flowers intermingle between the images, alongside a hummingbird and the striking yellow-orange of a hibiscus bloom, emphasizing the natural beauty of Puerto Rico.
Cultural symbols such as an African drum, masks, and a domed building pay homage to the Spanish, African, and Indigenous heritages that intertwine in Puerto Rico.
A grand tree stretches across the mural’s top, uniting the various themes and elements depicted throughout.
Attempting to convey a message of hope to his community, Rodríguez expresses, “No matter what is going on in your life, there’s always gotta be something beautiful.”
The idea for the mural had been brewing in Rodríguez’s mind for over a decade; it was simply a matter of finding the perfect wall to showcase his vision.
With assistance from the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance, he discovered the ideal location at 2534 W. Division St., though the business at that site has since closed.
Rodríguez’s journey to Chicago began in the 1990s when he moved with his mother, a time when he fondly recalls the excitement surrounding the Chicago Bulls’ NBA championships.
His artistic career has flourished, with mural projects displayed in various venues including Brentano Elementary Math and Science Academy and numerous community events across Humboldt Park and the rest of the city.
At 54, Rodríguez reflects on his struggles with heart disease, having endured his first heart attack at the age of 27, followed by more at 32, 40, and 51.
Completing the mural has filled him with pride, showing that, despite his health challenges, he can contribute meaningful art to his community.
Rodríguez views this mural as a legacy designed to inspire Chicago’s Puerto Rican community to continue moving forward through trying times.
“Even though you have the worst thing in your life, life is beautiful. It’s a gift,” he asserts passionately.
Additionally, he aims to raise awareness about autism through his art, drawing inspiration from his own son.
Rodríguez notes, “Sometimes kids and adults with autism are mistreated and they’re not valued,” emphasizing that individuals with autism possess intelligence, creativity, and emotional warmth.
In his professional role at After School Matters, Rodríguez mentors teenagers at the Puerto Rican Art Alliance, helping them explore painting and self-expression.
His office, located in the Humboldt Park field house, doubles as a gallery showcasing student works, with twenty individuals currently enrolled in his class.
He is also featuring another autobiographical exhibit titled “La Mudanza: Seeds from Our Past” at the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance until November 26.
This exhibit narrates stories from his life through sculptures made from cardboard boxes that he collected during the pandemic.
“This is the first time that I’ve done an exhibit completely made of cardboard,” he shares, marking yet another milestone in his diverse artistic journey.
image source from：chicago
