Abstract
During the last two decades, among some part of the scholarly society appeared doubts concerning validity of the modernization paradigm in studies of nationalism in general and applicability of the "classic modernist" theories of nationalism for the analysis of nationhood outside Western Europe. Among the suggested new approaches, which seem to be particularly fruitful in the case of Mexican nationalism, is the investigation of nationhood by its representations through the visual language.
Whereas verbal and written forms of language were the key aspect of shaping identity of Western and Central European nations, the visual language articulated in public space (through mural art) with its characteristic symbols and semiotic reference, played a crucial role during the process of homogenization among Mexican masses especially at the beginning of the 20th century - period which was essential to the formation of the "vocabulary" and the content of Mexican national identity. Although the muralist movement was partially quieten down for few decades (50' - 80'), from the 90' the public art once more gained strength and again have become important agent in negotiation and articulation of national identity all over the Mexico.
The presented paper analyzes the role of visual communication in the process of negotiation and shaping of the particular versions of national identity in historical perspective and in nowadays. I proceed from long-term field research I carried out during last two years in Mexico, from study of the theories of nationalism and nation identity and the methodology of visual and interpretative anthropology.