Meet MataRuda, artist selected for Hijos de la Tierra mural

In July, EARTH University launched a contest to locate the right artist to paint a symbolic mural at its Guácimo campus. The original work needed to honor EARTH’s “Hijos de la Tierra” (Children of the Earth) heritage and deeply held values. Design proposals were accepted until the start of September and came from all over the Americas, including Colombia, El Salvador and the USA.

Hijos de la Tierra is a term that identifies all people whose lives EARTH has touched in a significant way, especially those of its students and graduates. Since EARTH’s founding, each year the “día de los Hijos de la Tierra” marks the anniversary of the start of the first school year.

Karl Miller,known as MataRuda is the winner of the Hijos de la Tierra mural contest.

Being an Hijo de la Tierra is being an agent of change, of using one’s knowledge and body to generate positive developments in the lives of others and the natural environment. For this reason, the artwork needed to represent EARTH and its values – mulitculturalism, human connection and inclusion, education, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture, among others.

To evaluate the submissions, a judging panel was formed. It included Arturo Condo, EARTH University president; Daniel Sherrard, provost; Alexa Glo, director of the president’s office and board relations; Yanine Chan, dean of academic affairs; Wayne Flowers and Miguel Álvarez of the Office of Communications; and student Charlyn Masís (’18, Costa Rica). The 7-person judging panel selected Karl Miller, known as MataRuda, as the winner.

The mural’s unveiling will take place December 8, after the EARTH University graduation ceremony, in the presence of dignitaries, students and their families, the University community, donors and other special guests.

For more of his work, check out his website and also follow him on Instagram.