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In Mexico in the early 1920s, a growing, collective social consciousness gave rise to a revolutionary furor focused on liberating the country's workers from harsh conditions and poverty. In 1921, Mexican artists Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros were all commissioned by the government to create educational paintings on the walls of public buildings. After that initial experience, they devoted themselves almost exclusively to painting these large-scale murals--forming the foundation of a movement that would last 50 years. The muralists' work took up the themes of society and revolution. Often the paintings depicted historical vignettes like the story of Cuernavaca and Morelos crossing the barranca, or Mexico's ancient Indians. They satirized contemporary society, created ideal visions of peaceful families, and built up dark, imposing industrial cityscapes then leveled them by depicting the debauchery and death of the capitalist industrialists.

The paintings themselves reflect diverse artistic influences--surrealism, cubism, and illustration, most notable among them.Their bold colors and strong imagery practically bound out of the 150 color plates in this book. Mexican muralist and scholar Desmond Rochfort lucidly traces the development of the movement to place the work in context and provides a solid history of each of the artists' social and artistic influences. This is an excellent overview of work that should appeal both to fans of the individual artists and Mexican art in general. --Jordana Moskowitz ... Read more

Reviews (4)

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I OWN!!
This is definitely one of the best books out there for anyone interested in Mexican art. Few books can inspire as much as this one, especially for people from Zapotlanejo, Jalisco. It's loaded with many pictures and chronicles the lives of these three muralistas and has in depth coverage of specific murals, i especially enjoyed the coverage on "History of Mexico" mural by Diego Rivera. This book is definitely worth the price and a great addition to any collection. Orale!

A Masterpiece!!
Rarely have I been as moved and inspired by an art book.

The work of Orozco, Diego and Siqueiros is required study for art students and art enthusiasts.

Thank you Dr. Rochfort for presenting their magnificent work within your brilliant historical analysis.

best outlook on the murilists of mexico and their beliefs
Shows a great variety of each artists pieces and movements through out their career.

very informative
outstanding full of historical views ... Read more

Reviews (2)

4 opinions about Siqueiros.
The Centenary of Siqueiros' birth was in l996, and this book makes an outstanding contribution to a celebration of Siqueiros' life and works. It is a full political biography of the artist-citizen-socialist fighter, as well as an "art book" with 72 pages that present 134 photos and reproductions. These are discussed and explained in the text along with Siqueiros' theories about art and new realism. Philip Stein discloses for the first time the extensive FBI files meddling in the affairs of Mexican citizens. Siqueiros: His Life and Works has an extensive bibliography of the writings, exhibits and lectures of Siqueiros as well as background bibliography. (Reviewer's Bookwatch, January 1995). - "I am a citizen artist, not a Bohemian.I don't believe in a world where each artist is a little god, each one with his own philosophy, each one with his own little kitchen to fry his abstract ham and eggs. The only bad painting is the one dominated by the individual ego. Easel paintings whisper to the private few. Murals shout to the public." These words by Siqueiros embody the militant stance on art taken by one of the most forceful painters of the 20th century. Together with Diego Rivera and Jose Clemente Orozco, this triumvirate was the phalanx that led to the founding of the Mexican mural movement, the most significant advancement in art since the Italian Renaissance. This and much more is the subject of this book by Philip Stein an artist who spent a decade working with Siqueiros. It is a work of painstaking research and personal knowledge that is not only a biography of Siqueiros (l896-1974) but also a political history of the 20th century Mexican revolution and its aftermath. This book is a powerful argument for social commitment in art, a valuable source of education for all artists, yuoung and old. (Norman Goldberg, artist-critic). - This magnificent biography is a comprehensive study digging deeply into the historical roots and tempestuous conflicts that shaped Siqueiros into an agressive leader, including his Indian and Mexican heritage, union struggles, military action, political conflicts and his role in organizing cooperative groups of artists who would put their collective endeavors to the service of humanity. This biography is a remarkable work of art with a beautifully felt poetic prose. It is a wonderful restoration of the life of a complex artist. Documentation has a scholarly completeness, color photographs aid us in grasping some of the magnificence of his painting and mural accomplishments. This a biography of enormous importance and beauty, so rich one will go back to it again and again. (Anthony Toney, artist). Stein's marvellous book is a meticulous and inspiring study of a great artist. But more than that it is a cultural achievement in its own right. Throughout its pages Siqueiros is brought powerfully alive. Stein himself writes with the perception and sensitivity of an artist and presents a fascinating account of the artist's technique and methods. This is definitely not a "coffee table" book; nor is it aimed at the art expert. The style is always readable and accessible to the general reader. At times "Siqueiros" even has the pace and excitement of a novel. (Julian Holt, professor of literature, Lancaster, England).

About the legendary Mexican artist Siqueiros.
The Centenary of Siqueiros' birth is in 1996, and this book makes an outstanding contribution to a celebration of Siqueiros' life and works. It is a full political biography of the artist-citizen-socialist fighter, as well as an "art book" with 72 pages that present 134 photos and reproductions. These are discussed and explained in the text along with Siqueiros' theories about art and new realism. Philip Stein discloses for the first time the extensive FBI files meddling in the affairs of Mexican citizens.Siqueiros: His Life and Works has an extensive bibliography of the writings, exhibits, and lectures of Siqueiros, as well as background bibliography. (Reviewer's Bookwatch, January 1995) --"I am a citizen artist, not a Bohemian. Idon't believe in a world where each artist is a little god, each one with his own philosophy, each one with his own little kitchen to fry his abstract ham and eggs. The only bad painting is the one dominated by the individual ego. In Europe a private market has determined a private art. Here (Mexico) our art is for an audience of millions. Easel paintings whisper to a private few. Murals shout to the public." These words by Siqueiros embody the militant stance on art taken by one of the most forceful painter of the 20th century. Together with Diego Rivera and Jose Clemente Orozco, this triumvirate was the phalanx that led in the founding of the Mexican mural movement, the most significant advancement in art since the Italian Renaissance. This and much more is the subject of this book by Philip Stein, an artist who spent a decade working with Siqueiros. This is a work of painstaking research and personal knowledge. It is not only a biography of Siqueiros (l896-l974) but also a political history of the 20th century Mexican revolution and its aftermath. This book is a powerful arguement for social commitment in art, a valuable source of education for all artists, young and old. (Norman Goldberg,artist-critic). This magnificent biography is a comprehensive stiudy digging deeply into the historical roots and tempestuous conflicts that shaped Siqueiros into an aggressive leader, including his Indian and Mexican heritage, union struggles, military action, political conflicts and his role in organizing cooperative groups of artists who would put their collective endeavors to the service of humanity. This biography is a remarkable work of art, with a beautifully felt poetic prose, comprehensively organized. It is a wonderful restoration of the life of a complex artist. Documentation has a scholarly completeness. Black and white and many color photographs aid us in grasping some of the magnificence of his painting and mural accomplishments. This is a wonderful biography of enormous importance and beauty, so rich one will go back to it again and again. (Anthony Toney, artist). Stein's marvellous book is a meticulous and inspiring study of a great artist. But more than that it is a cultural achievement in its own right, and an act of solidarity with the artist and the working people who were his subjects. Put another way, it is itself a work of socialist realism. The biography is written with a moving affection for Siqueiros who is brought powerfully alive through its pages. Stein himself writes with the perception and sensitivity of an artist and presents a fascinating account of the artist's technique and methods, his pioneering experiments with new materials and the numerous practical problems posed by murals and frescoes of the size and complexity of Siqueiros' creations. This is definitely not a "coffee table" book; nor is it aimed at the art expert. The style is always readable and accessible to the general reader. At times, "Siqueiros" even has the pace and excitement of a novel. (Julian Holt, professor of literature, England). ... Read more

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Proceso, published by CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V. on May 30, 2004. The length of the article is 1521 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Segn Cipriano Alfaro, su padre: Siqueiros naci en la Ciudad de Mxico.(David Alfaro Siqueiros, pintor)(Biografa)
Author: Raquel Tibol
Publication: Proceso (Magazine/Journal)
Date: May 30, 2004
Publisher: CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V.
Issue: 1439Page: 62(2)

Article Type: Biografa

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from Proceso, published by CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V. on August 4, 1996. The length of the article is 2702 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: 'Siqueiros esta aqui y en su mirada', espectaculo de JosAntonio Alcaraz con el que el INBA conmemorara el centenario del muralista. (Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes celebraci n del muralista David Alfaro Siqueiros)(TT: 'Siqueiros is here and within our gaze,' performance directed by JosAntonio Alcaraz through which the INBA will commenmorate the muralist's centenary) (TA: National Fine Art Institute celebration of the muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros)
Author: Miguel de la Vega
Publication: Proceso (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 4, 1996
Publisher: CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V.
Issue: n1031Page: p56(2)

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from Proceso, published by CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V. on November 17, 1996. The length of the article is 1701 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Siqueiros no fue brigadista. (el famoso muralista Mexicano)(TT: Siqueiros did not belong to the brigade) (TA: the famous Mexican muralist)
Author: Raquel Tibol
Publication: Proceso (Magazine/Journal)
Date: November 17, 1996
Publisher: CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V.
Issue: n1046Page: p62(3)

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from Proceso, published by CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V. on December 8, 1996. The length of the article is 1302 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title:Retrato de una decada o una decada de retratos? (exposici n de obras del pintor mexicano David Alfaro Siqueiros)(TT: A portrait of a decade or a decade of portraits?) (TA: exhibition of the works by Mexican painter David Alfaro Siqueiros)
Author: Raquel Tibol
Publication: Proceso (Magazine/Journal)
Date: December 8, 1996
Publisher: CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V.
Issue: n1049Page: p60(3)

Article Type: Biography

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from Siempre!, published by Edicional Siempre on January 23, 1997. The length of the article is 802 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Siqueiros y las calles. (polmica sobre cmo homenajear a difunto artista mexicano)(TT: Siqueiros and the street) (TA: contoversey over how to pay homage to deceased Mexican artist)
Author: Abertto Domingo
Publication: Siempre! (Refereed)
Date: January 23, 1997
Publisher: Edicional Siempre
Issue: n2275Page: p83(1)

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This digital document is an article from Proceso, published by CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V. on April 7, 2002. The length of the article is 1617 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Justicia mexicana en el Toboso.(Siqueiros. La piel y la entraa, libro)(TT: Mexican justice in a mythical land.)(TA: book Siqueiros. La piel y la entrana)(Extracto)
Publication: Proceso (Magazine/Journal)
Date: April 7, 2002
Publisher: CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V.
Page: 12

Article Type: Extracto

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This digital document is an article from Proceso, published by CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V. on August 8, 1999. The length of the article is 700 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Poema de Blanca Luz Brum a la memoria de Siqueiros.(TT: Poem by Blanca Luz Brum in memory of Siqueiros.)(Poema)
Author: Rey David
Publication: Proceso (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 8, 1999
Publisher: CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V.
Page: 61

Article Type: Poema

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from Proceso, published by CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V. on August 15, 1999. The length of the article is 1458 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Desmemorias de Blanca Luz Brum.
Author: Raquel Tibol
Publication: Proceso (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 15, 1999
Publisher: CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V.
Page: 66

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from Proceso, published by CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V. on July 11, 2004. The length of the article is 686 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: El protagonismo de los discursos.(exposicin de obras del artista Luis Felipe Ortega en Sala de Arte Pblico Siqueiros)
Author: Blanca Gonzlez Rosas
Publication: Proceso (Magazine/Journal)
Date: July 11, 2004
Publisher: CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V.
Issue: 1445Page: 72(1)

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This digital document is an article from Proceso, published by CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V. on October 13, 2002. The length of the article is 4932 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: 70 aos "secuestrado": "Retrato del Mxico actual", de Siqueiros la develacin del mural, el 20 de este mes.(arte)(TT: kiddnaped for 70 years: Siqueiros's "Portrait of Mexico" go on exhibition.)(TA: art)
Author: Susan Emerling
Publication: Proceso (Magazine/Journal)
Date: October 13, 2002
Publisher: CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V.
Page: 72(6)

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This digital document is an article from Proceso, published by CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V. on September 21, 2003. The length of the article is 799 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: La construccin de un nuevo orden artstico.(reorganizacin del Museo de Arte Carrillo Gil, de la Sala de Arte Pblico Siqueiros, del Museo Estudio Diego Rivera)
Author: Blanca Gonzlez Rosas
Publication: Proceso (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 21, 2003
Publisher: CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V.
Issue: 1403Page: 81(1)

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This digital document is an article from Proceso, published by CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V. on December 5, 2004. The length of the article is 2520 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Serel Polyforum gran centro de entretenimiento.(Polyforum Cultural Siqueiros)
Author: Columba V rtiz
Publication: Proceso (Magazine/Journal)
Date: December 5, 2004
Publisher: CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V.
Issue: 1466Page: 76(4)

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This digital document is an article from Proceso, published by CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V. on December 5, 2004. The length of the article is 1022 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: La pol mica apertura del Polyforum por Echeverr a.(Polyforum Cultural Siqueiros)
Author: Armando Ponce
Publication: Proceso (Magazine/Journal)
Date: December 5, 2004
Publisher: CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V.
Issue: 1466Page: 78(2)

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Mural Painting and Social Revolution in Mexico, 1920-1940 is the first full-length account of this major movement in the history of Modernism. Following the Revolution of 1910, Mexican society underwent a profound transformation in every sector of political and cultural life. Mexican artists participated in this social revolution during a vital two-decade period through public art programmes funded by the government and other institutions. Applying a social-historical methodology, Leonard Folgarait examines this phenomenon and focuses on the mural paintings of Diego Rivera, José Orozco, and David Siqueiros produced during this period. He provides an indepth analysis of the form and meaning of these mural cycles, while documenting the system of patronage, the critical connections between state policy and aesthetics, and the visual strategies devised by patrons and artists in order to maximise the impact of these propagandistic images. ... Read more

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Siempre!, published by Edicional Siempre on May 15, 1997. The length of the article is 1120 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: P.D. Tu gato ha muerto. (Polifrum Cultural Siqueiros, Mxico, D.F., Mxico)(TT: P.S. Your Cat Has Died) (TA: Siqueiros Cultural Polyforum)
Author: Mario Saavedra
Publication: Siempre! (Refereed)
Date: May 15, 1997
Publisher: Edicional Siempre
Volume: v43Issue: n2291Page: p77(1)

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