Mexican Muralism & the Big Three with Julio Pastor

In this online seminar we will look into the history, key topics, and leading artists of the Mexican muralist movement. The differences and similarities of the work of Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros and José Clemente Orozco (the leading artists of the movement) will be discussed throughout vivid images of their most iconic masterpieces.

The Mexican Muralist movement began in early 1920s Mexico, with the government commissioning artists to make art in order to educate the mostly illiterate population. What was the aim? To visually tell the country’s history and present an inspiring vision of its future, in the aftermath of the Mexican Revolution. The movement was inspired by the Revolution’s idealism: the artwork created was often politically charged with strong national messages. Led by a local Mexican artist, this conversation will address the murals and the techniques used by the prominent artistic trio: Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros and José Clemente Orozco, the leaders of the Mexican Muralist movement.

By looking at examples of the work Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros and José Clemente Orozco carried out both inside and outside Mexico, we will dive into how these artists redefined Mexican identity through their imagery. We will talk about the different media that the artists used when working in their most iconic masterpieces as well as the different approaches that they had towards the architecture of the buildings that house their work. We will discuss the way in which the works relate to the main modern art movements which were taking place simultaneously in other parts of the world.

Born and raised in Mexico City, Julio Pastor is a proud pedestrian of his native city. He completed a BA in Fine Arts at UNAM. In 2008, he moved to the Netherlands where he completed his MFA, specializing in the Urban Landscape. After seven years, he returned to Mexico and turned the focus of his art production to the city that he roams every day. His art production is thoroughly inspired on what he encounters during his everyday walks, but also by a great deal of reading on topics related to architecture and urbanism. When not working at his art practice, Julio can be found teaching undergraduate drawing courses in the architecture department at the Universidad Iberoamericana, or enjoying the city with his wife and two children.

This conversation is suitable for all ages

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.