In the wake of the Mexican Revolution of 1910 to 1920, Mexico emerged as a center of modern art, closely watched around the world. Highlighted here are the achievements of los tres grandes (the three great ones)—José Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, and David Alfaro Siqueiros—and other renowned figures such as Frida Kahlo and Rufino Tamayo. This exhibition catalogue also goes beyond the well-known names to present a fuller picture of the period from 1910 to 1950.
Through 14 essays by authors from both the United States and Mexico, the book presents a thorough reassessment of Mexican Modernism from multiple perspectives. Some of the texts delve into thematic topics—developments in mural painting, the role of the government in the arts, intersections between modern art and cinema, and the impact of Mexican art in the United States—whereas others explore specific Modernist genres, such as printmaking, photography, and architecture. This beautifully illustrated volume offers a comprehensive look at the period that brought Mexico onto the world stage during a period of political upheaval and dramatic social change.
The catalogue accompanies the exhibition Paint the Revolution: Mexican Modernism, 1910–1950, on view June 25–October 1, 2017.