Diego Rivera
Diego Rivera
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Diego María de la Concepción Juan Nepomuceno Estanislao de la Riveraa Guadalupe Victoria was born on December 8, 1886. He is commonly referred to as Diego Rivera.
Birth and Death Dates
December 8, 1886 - November 24, 1957
Nationality and Profession(s)
Mexican Muralist Painter, Sculptor, and Politician
Diego Rivera was a prominent figure in the Mexican art world of his time. His work combined elements of realism, surrealism, and folk art to create a unique style that reflected the culture and politics of Mexico.
Early Life and Background
Rivera was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, into a family of modest means. His father was a mining engineer, and his mother was a homemaker. Rivera's early life was marked by a strong interest in art, which he developed through self-study and experimentation. He began his artistic career at a young age, working as an apprentice to a local artist.
As he grew older, Rivera became increasingly interested in the social and political issues of his time. He joined the Mexican Communist Party and participated in various left-wing movements throughout his life. This activism would later influence many of his works, which often featured themes of labor rights, social justice, and anti-imperialism.
Major Accomplishments
Rivera's artistic career spanned several decades and included numerous notable projects. Some of his most significant accomplishments include:
The Detroit Industry Murals: Commissioned by the Ford Motor Company in 1932, this series of murals is considered one of Rivera's masterpieces. The work showcases his unique style and ability to convey complex themes through art.
The Mural Paintings for the Ministry of Education: Completed in 1923, these murals are some of Rivera's most famous works. They feature a mix of historical and mythological scenes, as well as depictions of everyday life in Mexico.
Notable Works or Actions
Rivera was known for his large-scale mural paintings, which often featured vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. Some of his most notable works include:
"The Creation": A massive mural painted in 1923-24 for the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City.
"The History of Mexico": A series of murals completed in 1929-30 for the Secretariat of Public Education in Mexico City.
In addition to his art, Rivera was also a prolific writer and speaker. He published several books on art and politics, and gave numerous lectures on topics ranging from Marxism to Mexican history.
Impact and Legacy
Diego Rivera's impact on modern art cannot be overstated. His unique style and ability to convey complex themes through large-scale murals have influenced generations of artists. The Detroit Industry Murals, in particular, are considered a landmark work of American art.
Rivera's legacy extends beyond the world of art, however. He was a vocal advocate for social justice and labor rights throughout his life. His activism and writings continue to inspire people around the world today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Diego Rivera is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful comments on art, politics, and society. Some of his most famous quotes include:
"The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls."
"Art is the only serious thing in life."
Rivera's legacy as a artist, activist, and thinker continues to captivate audiences around the world. His work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of art in reflecting and shaping society.
Quotes by Diego Rivera
Diego Rivera's insights on:
I recommend her to you, not as a husband but as an enthusiastic admirer of her work, acid and tender, hard as steel and delicate and fine as a butterfly’s wing, lovable as a beautiful smile, and as profound and cruel as the bitterness of life.
Through her paintings, she breaks all the taboos of the woman’s body and of female sexuality.
What do you mean the banks of the river?. Are/ you the banks of Diego Rivera? I will be/ remembered throughout history and already my/ little Frida has forgotten.... Who first put a/ paint brush in your hand? ... And now you/ have become the banks to contain me? No,/ Frida, you have forgotten the real truth. You/ are a stone in the mighty river. A lovely/ speckled stone.
Never before had a woman put such agonizing poetry on canvas as Frida did at this time in Detroit.
All art is propaganda. ... The only difference is the kind of propaganda. Since art is essential for human life, it can't just belong to the few. Art is the universal language, and it belongs to all mankind. All painters have been propagandists or else they have not been painters. ... Every artist who has been worth anything in art has been such a propagandist. ... Every strong artist has been a propagandist. I want to be a propagandist and I want to be nothing else. ... I want to use my art as a weapon.
To be an artist, one must . . . never shirk from the truth as he understands it, never withdraw from life
An artist is above all a human being, profoundly human to the core. If the artist can't feel everything that humanity feels, if the artist isn't capable of loving until he forgets himself and sacrifices himself if necessary, if he won't put down his magic brush and head the fight against the oppressor, then he isn't a great artist.