Iván Arévalo's canvas is Tijuana, a city famous for its vibrant artistic scene. A plastic artist who pays tribute to the Yumano people through his art, one of his murals, located between 5th Street and Avenida Revolución, celebrates the history, culture, and ancient connection of these communities with the Baja California region.

Tijuana is celebrated for its vibrant art scene, and Iván Arévalo is one of the local artists bringing it to life. His murals honor Yumano culture, deeply rooted in Baja California for centuries. One of his most striking works, located at the intersection of 5th Street and Avenida Revolución, beautifully captures the history, traditions, and spirit of these communities.

Art and Murals That Illuminate Indigenous Roots

Iván Arévalo, a passionate artist and proud Tijuana native, is deeply committed to community projects. He explains that his work seeks to shed light on the region’s indigenous heritage. “This mural, the first of its kind, focuses on the Kumiai people. More murals are on the way. You can always find us here and there; we are wherever opportunities arise,” he shared.

This project is a collaborative effort with Tijuana’s Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz and is part of an initiative to promote awareness of indigenous identity. Arévalo noted that the idea originated during the previous six-year presidential term (sexenio) when former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador emphasized the importance of highlighting indigenous communities through art. “From an artistic perspective, our contribution is to create murals that reflect their traditions. This is done in collaboration with leaders like Norma, who represents the Kumiai community,” he added.

A Legacy Captured in Murals

This is not the only mural Iván Arévalo has painted in Tijuana. Often joined by his wife, who is also an artist, they bring projects to life that transform the city’s urban landscape.

His artwork can be found in various locations throughout Tijuana—from the recently restored sports fields in Playas de Tijuana to local coffee shops that have chosen to adorn their spaces with regional art. Iván’s attention to detail and his ability to connect with the cultural and natural essence of the city make his pieces truly stand out.

A Call to Collaborate

Arévalo is also inviting other artists to join upcoming projects aimed at highlighting Baja California’s rich cultural heritage. “Right now, we’re fortunate that authorities are reaching out to us to make these projects happen. Everyone is welcome!” he said enthusiastically.

Who Are the Yumano People?

The Yumano people are indigenous groups residing in northern Baja California and the southwestern United States. In Mexico, they are represented by five communities: Cucapá, Kiliwa, Pai Pai, Kumiai, and Tipai. These groups belong to the larger ethnolinguistic Yumano family, which includes seven other groups located in Arizona and California: Quechan, Yuma, Maricopa, Mojave, Yavapai, Hualapai, and Havasupai.

Iván Arévalo’s mural not only beautifies Tijuana, making it more vibrant and culturally rich, but it also invites its residents to reflect on their shared heritage and the enduring connections to the region’s indigenous peoples.

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