In its early stages, Latine street art was born out of both creative expression and resistance. The origins date back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, a period when civil rights movements and social unrest shook the foundations of American society. Latine communities, particularly Mexican-Americans, took to public spaces to paint murals reflecting their stories, struggles, and dreams - a form of expression largely inspired by the Chicano Art Movement.
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These murals, in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, often featured symbols of cultural pride such as Aztec deities, prominent Latine figures, and intricate folk art patterns. The 1970s "Great Wall of Los Angeles" by Judith Baca, one of the longest murals in the world, is an iconic example. It narrates a chronology of California from the prehistoric age to the 1950s, placing significant emphasis on the experiences of marginalized communities.