Casa Zapata Mural History Project
at Stanford University
Jose Antonio Burciaga, Zapata Dining Hall, north wall (1987)
This 15’ x 12’ mural was conceived and planned in 1985 for the Casa Zapata Dining Hall. The Mythology of Maíz forms the first part of a mural that continues on two adjoining walls with the history of maíz.
Zarco Guerrero, Artist
Location Dining Hall, 6′ X 9′
It is the first mural painted in Casa Zapata. It was the only painting outside of the residence dorm until the mid-1980’s. Therefore it represented Casa Zapata for many non-residents for over a decade. The mural is rather controversial.
Esteban Chavez, Casa Zapata Lounge, south wall (1979)
Chavez was a young artist from Denver, Colorado when he was invited to be an Artist in Residence at Casa Zapata in 1979. Noted for his series of portraits, Chavez describes his work as realist, contemporary, and social political commentary.
Jose Antonio Burciaga, Zapata Dining Hall, south wall (1987)
The right panel of the dining hall triptych is titled “The Cycle of Life”. The image returns to the mythology of corn as a metaphor for the Americas and depicts death and the underworld.
Jose Antonio Burciaga, Zapata Dining Hall, center wall (1989)
The largest piece in the three walled mural triptych stands out as its most provocative as well as most reflective of the generations of students and staff living and working in the residence.
Casa Zapata Mural History Project 