Family of birds 

Octavio Ocampo painted this oil on canvas, Family of Birds, to explore the theme of family. But what is the public role of this artwork? Mexico has a long tradition of mural painting to represent the cultural and political values of its people, and to educate its largely illiterate population in the post-revolution era. Ocampo's image of birds arranged to create the face of a woman may be read as a surrealist allegory of maternity and family. But the politics of imagery are complex; in representing motherhood, are we celebrating it or confining women to familial roles? It may be useful to consult historical sources, such as feminist writings from the period, to gain a deeper understanding of the social context and cultural significance of this work. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.