Diego Rivera

Mini Biography: He was born in Mexico City in 1866. Rivera started studying painting in 1907 and spent about 14 years in Paris. Renaissance frescoes of Italy inspired Diego and he then returned to Mexico with his new found inspiration. He was able to have a wider audience because of the medium he chose. He was married to Frida Kahlo whom was featured in his works of art. Rivera helped begin the Mexican mural movement.

Dream of a Sunday afternoon in Alameda Park

1947-48

Fresco

50ft x 13ft

Commentary on work: “To affirm God does not exist, I do not have to hide behind Don Ignacio Ramirez. I am an Atheist and I consider religions to be a form of collective neurosis”.

Background information: The mural is representative of the principle eras of Mexican History: The conquest, the Porfiriato dictatorship and the revolution of 1910. It was a way for Rivera to show that there is still struggle in Mexico but there will be a time for their freedom.

Relation to the exhibition: La Cantina is represented in the mural along with past warriors of Mexico. La Cantina represents the “muerto” or the dead in Mexico and in the mural you can see how the dead are embraced more so than feared.