Non-Western Art: Mexican Modernism

 

Modernism Art in Mexico has several different styles, but all fit into one era of art. The era started after the Mexican Revolution to help brighten the moods of those in Mexico. The Era lasted from 1920-1950. Although Mexican Modernism is split into several artistic styles, the movement attempted to create a new national identity in Mexico after the Revolution through original art that reflected Mexican cultures and traditions. Mexican artists wanted to distance themselves from European influence and, in turn, made a style that shows the transformations of Mexico after the 1920s.

Still Life, 1942, Juan Soriano

Still Life by Juan Soriano was made in 1942 in  Mexico. The painting is very satisfying with the color palette chosen. The shading makes the blanket look rustled, adding character to the overall picture. Still, Life uses flowers and fruit on the table. I love how the brush strokes add texture to the back wall. The shading on the leaves to make them appear 3D is incredible. This isn't my favorite piece because it is hard to interpret, but no one can deny it's beautiful. 

Nude Figure, 1939, Jesús Guerrero Galván

Nude Figure was made in 1939 by Jesus Guerrero Galvin in Mexico. One of the techniques used that impatiently stick out to me is shading. The way this piece is shaded is genuinely spectacular. The face is strong and defined, but the body is delicately colored. Compared to the first, the shading on this blanket is much more limited, making it seem like the woman is sitting right before you. The definition of her stomach rolls and her boobs going into her arm really help create a recognizable shape. I also enjoy the linework of her hair, where you can see the light texture she has. 

The Giants, 1939, David Alfaro Siqueiros 

The Giants was made in 1939 by David Alfaro Siqueiros in Mexico. I think this is the one I feel most drawn to of all the paintings. I love the line structure of the ground where you can't tell if it's soil or tree roots swirling around on the ground. The way the tree leaves are carved out creates an almost chaotic scene because you have to use your imagination to make out the different tones and textures of the leaves. I also love the shading on the trees and how you can tell where the light is hitting the trees because of the lighter bits of the trees.

Sources

ART. Artnet.com. (n.d.). Retrieved April 27, 2023, from https://www.artnet.com/artists/jes%C3%BAs-guerrero-galv%C3%A1n/4

ART. Artnexus. (n.d.). Retrieved April 27, 2023, from https://www.artnexus.com/en/magazines/article-magazine-artnexus/5d633aca90cc21cf7c0a1968/69/juan-soriano

Laura Almeida December 3, 2020 L. A. is a curatorial fellow in the modern and contemporary department at the D. A. M. L. joined the D. A. M. in 2019. S. loves working at the museum and agrees with the poet and artist F. G. who said: “A. (2020, December 3). What is Mexican modernism? What is Mexican Modernism? | Denver Art Museum. Retrieved April 28, 2023, from https://www.denverartmuseum.org/en/blog/what-mexican-modernism#:~:text=Although%20Mexican%20Modernism%20splintered%20into,reflected%20Mexican%20cultures%20and%20traditions.

Mexican modernist paintings and sculptures. Philadelphia Museum of Art. (n.d.). Retrieved April 27, 2023, from https://philamuseum.org/collection/curated/mexican-modernist-paintings-sculptures

Mexican muralism movement Overview. The Art Story. (n.d.). Retrieved April 27, 2023, from https://www.theartstory.org/movement/mexican-muralism/