Encinitas Madonna

Stupid Gringo that I am, I had never even heard of her. If someone had mentioned "Our Lady of Guadalupe" I would have responded with a quizzical, "Huh?'

Here's the news story, with a photo, from the local San Diego Union Tribune:

The city famous for its catchable waves and funky public art now has a new piece apparently installed by a brazen crew of bogus construction workers.

On an afternoon shortly before Earth Day and a few days prior to Easter, a group of men in hard hats installed a 10-foot square stained-glass mosaic of a surfing Our Lady of Guadalupe, complete with booties. “Save the Ocean” runs along the side of the mural. On the nose of her surfboard is the face of Saint Juan Diego who, according to legend, saw the Virgin Mary near Mexico City in 1531.

I feel a certain obligation to write this blog, since when I read about this I wrote a letter to the members of our city council that now has been tempered by some discussion and personal investigation. Here's that letter:

To the Encinitas City Council:

Interesting article in today's UT.

This time, I agree with Councilman Jerome Stocks (who was reported as saying it must be removed), plus these additional reasons to remove it.

The last thing we want in a tunnel, where cars are driving close to pedestrians is a visual distraction. Remember the tragedy in a similar site under I5 on Sante Fe Drive

We do not want to encourage Guerrilla Public Art, as it will always present this conflict of either removing, or tacit public support for the message in retaining it.

One way to deal with this is to consider a venue, a time and a place for open expression of artistic messages. However, this could also be more problematic than it's worth, as it could be a source of more contention, something we don't seem to be in short supply of now.

And here's an aside, not to be made public. The underpass of a train is a target for terrorism. A few sticks of dynamite with a simple cell phone type of detonator, could bring down the trestle, with great loss of life to a passing train. There should be a focus on how a group of people pretending to be authorized construction workers were not questioned by law enforcement. New procedures should be considered. -(Since the potential for something like this was subsequently publicised from Osama bin Ladin's computer, no need to worry about giving anyone the idea)

This is defacing public property, and it's not the council's job to be moral arbiters or art critics. Remove it quickly. And if you find those who did it take appropriate action for their infractions.

And suggest that they use the many venues legally available to express their artistic impulses.

When I spent some time at the mosaic, talking to several people, I got a different perspective. Sometimes we are better to benefit from an event like this, to explore what can be learned, rather than react as I did, that it was a breach of lawful process and that's the end of the issue. Actually, that's only the beginning.

I had a long discussion with Ava, a woman who came to this country from Mexico when she was a small child, and lives her life in both cultures. She was hesitant to be interviewed but then gave me the O.K. She described the complex feeling that she had about this image of what I learned was the patron saint of Mexico, a revered Icon that is the source of comfort for so many Catholics.

Her ambivalence, coming down on the side of keeping the mosaic in place, was only made clear when an older man who spoke only a smattering of English rode by on his bike. He looked at the mural and was disturbed by what was being done to this most sanctified figure of his religious belief. For those interested in his words in Spanish, here's the short interview.





He wanted the image of the virgin, that was fine, but without the surf board---just as he always saw her represented in his church. "She is not a clown" were his translated words. Of course having a such a picture of a Catholic Saint devoid of the social commentary that he objected to, would not work in a public space for various constitutional reasons. 

Eva, told me how the Lady of Guadaloupe is more than a Church figure, but part of modern culture:



There was another woman who was visiting from Virginia, who was delighted by the mural. She was a gringo, and while being catholic did not have the same emotional connection as the man on the bike (sorry I didn't get his name, amateur that I am) She made a simple point to the crowd, with a broad smile. "Look how it has gotten us talking together."

She was right. The message in bold letters on the mural is "Save the Ocean" a sentiment that all, of every religious and ethnic background, can support. While this mural is an example of breaking the law, it raises the question of whether those who follow the law, those who are overfishing, and polluting the oceans, may not be doing far greater harm.


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The city council voted unanimously on May 18 to remove the mural, and to relocate it if possible.  




One understanding of true art is that it provides a mirror to society, just askew enough to challenge unspoken  assumptions.  From this perspective the quality of the work is irrelevant.  This is performance art, with the mosaic not being the focal object , but rather the precipitating agent of the month long drama that took place.

As performance art this a success, as both a diversion from the events of the day, and also a reflection on democratic governance.  By removing this mural, the city made the statement that it would not allow a religious icon to be either glorified or defaced on public property.  That's how this country works, whether on the Federal or Local level.  

Good Job Council