Kimberly Duran
Kimberly Duran, also known as “5hmi,” is a muralist native to Santa Ana, California. Her experience as a first-generation Chicana informs her art, often revolving around themes of identity. As a child, Duran traveled to Mexico many times and felt extremely influenced by the cultural differences and pride of her heritage. Duran’s work is an attempt to connect both American and Mexican culture, and an effort to deepen her roots. By focusing on the voices and people that inhabit and surround these spaces, Duran has been able to shape the identity of her community through her murals.
2013
La Madre Naturaleza
Created in 2013, La Madre Naturaleza (Mother Nature) is located on the side wall of the now historic Macres Florist, a flower shop that has operated for over 75 years at Broadway and 5th street. Lead artists Kimberly Duran and Elizabeth Cardenas, working with the Santa Ana Community Artist(a) Coalition, based the imagery and themes of the mural on more than 200 interviews with city residents and visitors to Downtown Santa Ana. Regarded as an expression of the community's voice, the mural was collaboratively painted by over 30 different local artists and other community members. Duran chose to focus on the beauty inspired by the streets and people of Santa Ana, and the colorful mural depicts natural beauty, community gardens, and flowers, with a central image of Saint Anne blowing a "kiss of life" to the community of Santa Ana.
