Now, for part 2, we move to the Revolution of 1910 itself Question 2: How do the following murals attempt to explain the course of the Mexican Revolution to the people, according to Vasconcelos’ philosophy and goals? What major events, people and ideas can you recognize from the Revolution?

David Alfaro Siqueiros Siqueiros ( ) was the most political of the muralists. An active member of the Communist party, he considered politics and art inseparable and spent time away from painting as a labor organizer. He was also jailed several times for his activities and eventually emigrated to New York, where he found the environment more congenial. He believed that easel painting was bourgeois and did not serve the people. Only large-scale paintings would make art available to the masses. A new painter to know

Siqueiros in prison

Diaz, by David Alvaro Siquieros

Diego Rivera — Night of the Rich Back to Rivera…

Painter #3: Jose Clemente Orozco Orozco ( ) was particularly noted for his vivid expressionist style. He is also noted for his use of light and dark and his less direct commentary on current events in 1920s Mexico. He was the strongest believer of the three muralists in “art for art’s sake” and wanted to stay away from direct, explicit political comment.

Orozco, Soldaderas (1926)

Orozco, Zapatistas (1931)

Diego Rivera – Blood of the Martyrs, 1926

Diego Rivera – Dividing the Land

Question 3: The following pictures represent Marxist critiques of modern society. As a worker/proletarian, how would you interpret these murals? What specific complaints about modernity are the muralists making?

Diego Rivera – Modern Industry

Rivera, from the Palacio Nacional

Jose Clemente Orozco – Gods of the Modern World Location: Dartmouth College

The Epic of American Civilization: Hispano-America ( ) By Jose Clemente Orozco Location: Dartmouth College