autobiography

1. SYNOPSIS
Diego Rivera was aMexican
painter and muralist who
celebrated the history and culture
of his country through bold,
colorful works that often featured
political and social themes.
BIRTH
Guanajuato, Mexico, 1886
DEATH
Mexico City, Mexico, 1957
•MOVEMENT
Mexican Muralism
ARTIST QUOTE
"Art is the most beautiful
deception of all. And although
people try to incorporate the
everyday events of life in it, we
must hope that it will remain a
deception lest it become a
utilitarian thing, sad as a factory."
FAMOUS WORK
• La Creaci6n (The Creation)
(1922-1923)
• The Arsenal (1928)
• Liberation of the Peon
(1931)
• Detroit Industry Murals
(1932-1933)
• Man at the Crossroads
(1934)
• The Flower Carrier (1935)
• Dream of a Sunday
Afternoon in Alameda
Central Park (1947-1948)
Diego Rivera
Diego Rivera was a renowned Mexican painter and muralist who
played a major role in the development of Mexican art during the
first half of the 20th century. Rivera was the third of six children in a
well-to-do family. His father was a government official and his
mother was a descendant of Aztec nobility. Rivera began his formal
art training at the age of 10, studying at the Academy of San Carlos in
Mexico City. He later traveled to Europe, where he was exposed to
the works of the great masters and developed an interest in the
avant-garde art movements of the time. In 1921, Rivera returned to
Mexico and began creating large-scale murals that celebrated the
history and culture of his country.
Rivera's murals were bold and colorful, and they often featured
political and social themes. His work celebrated the indigenous
peoples of Mexico and depicted the struggles of the working class.
Rivera was deeply committed to the idea that art should serve a
social purpose, and his murals were designed to educate and inspire
the people of Mexico.
Despite his political views, Rivera's talent as an artist was widely
recognized. His work was exhibited in galleries and museums around
the world, and he received numerous awards and honors throughout
his career. He was also commissioned to create murals in many public
buildings, including the National Preparatory School in Mexico City
and the Detroit Institute of Arts in Michigan.
He is remembered as one of Mexico's greatest artists and a pioneer
of the Mexican muralist movement. His work continues to inspire and
influence artists around the world.

2. Beyond the Canvas
What are the elements of art you see in the artwork? What kinds of lines,
shapes, or colors get your attention?
The Flower Carrier, 1935
Looking at this piece can you find some examples of the Principles of Art? What are they and how are they
represented in the artwork?
What kind of emotion is portrayed in the painting? Describe the personality of the person depicted.
If you could change the artwork's title, what would you pick? Why?
What is the meaning or message you get from the artwork? Why?
Score:
I

3. SYNOPSIS
Diego Rivera was a Mexican
painter and muralist who
celebrated the history and culture
of his country through bold,
colorful works that often featured
political and social themes.
BIRTH
Guanajuato, Mexico, 1886
DEATH
Mexico City, Mexico, 1957
•MOVEMENT
Mexican Muralism
ARTIST QUOTE
"Art is the most beautiful
deception of all. And although
people try to incorporate the
everyday events of life in it, we
must hope that it will remain a
deception lest it become a
utilitarian thing, sad as a factory."
FAMOUS WORK
• La Creaci6n (The Creation)
(1922-1923)
• The Arsenal (1928)
• Liberation of the Peon
(1931)
• Detroit Industry Murals
(1932-1933)
• Man at the Crossroads
(1934)
• The Flower Carrier (1935)
• Dream of a Sunday
Afternoon in Alameda
Central Park (1947-1948)
Diego Rivera