La Pincoya en El Norte

“La Pincoya en El Norte”  was painted in December 2023, by the Revival Murals (https://www.revivalmurals.com/) team of Alonsa Guevara and James Razko. The Arts District received over 28 amazing mural idea submissions and Alonsa and James’ submission was chosen by members of the Arts District Board, Los Angeles Maritime Institute and West Harbor.

Alonsa Guevara, the Chilean half of Revival Murals, explains, “La Pincoya is a mythological character from the Pueblo Chilote (south of Chile). We think it is interesting to introduce her to this part of the Pacific Ocean.  “La Pincoya en El Norte” (in the North), in my opinion it’s a metaphor for migration and unification of two far away but similar maritime cultures.” 

La Pincoya is a mythological sea creature from the south of Chile (Chiloé) known by her enchanting beauty, and her special connection with the fisherman. She is the one who announces with a special dance whether there will be abundance or shortage of fish in the ocean. And besides this, she takes care of the fisherman when there are rough times in the open sea.

Fishermen revere and respect La Pincoya, offering her gifts and performing rituals to gain her favor. The mythology surrounding La Pincoya reflects the deep cultural and spiritual connection coastal communities in southern Chile have with the sea and its resources. Revival Murals is honored to bring her to this northern side of the Pacific Ocean, where she becomes a metaphor for migration and unification of two far away but similar maritime cultures.

 The 72’ X 15’ LAMI Mural is the second community engagement mural to be painted in our Adventures in Public Art program and included two community painting days for over 60 locals to help paint the mural. It was funded by generous contributions from the Port of Los Angeles Community Grant Program, along with a grant from the LA County Creative Recovery Program and numerous private donations.