Mexican ambassador’s auto gets arty facelift

Mexico’s ambassador in India, Melba Pria, made news for her unusual choice of an official vehicle last year — instead of a swanky car, she travels around Delhi in a white auto-rickshaw which bears her country’s flag and a diplomatic number plate. And her auto has just got another artistic facelift.

The three-wheeler, that runs on CNG, was bought in India, and then remodelled and spray-painted in a floral design by visiting Mexican street artist Senkoe last year. And this year, the same artist has given it its second makeover. 

According to the embassy, “This is the second makeover the auto has been given by Senkoe. The bright yellow and orange flowers on the roof of the auto are traditional Mexican motifs that are commonly found in the textiles of Oaxaca. It represents the vibrancy of Mexico. Since the auto stands as a representation of the nation, we thought the motifs were a perfect choice. The auto was given a makeover at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with an aim by the Embassy of Mexico to showcase traditional Mexican art and culture to the people of India.” The auto makeover was witnessed by many students of JNU, who expressed curiosity and interest in the Mexican designs. 

About the artist, they said, “Senkoe has worked with us previously. Earlier in the week, he painted beautiful Mexican water animals called ‘ajolote’, on the Embassy’s driveway wall.”