Genoveva T. Palmieri
It is fascinating to review the history of Mexico with so many changes and battles through a colonial history and even after their independence from Spain. Whereas the textbook focuses on this political history, what becomes a more interesting question for this unit is how the country and its people have maintained their artistic roots in spite of a continual upheaval.
The tenacity of the Mexican people and its artists is to have maintained their love of those artistic roots handed down by their ancestors and their culture. Over and over again their ability to recognize the importance of history and its painful past, thus creating a base to stand on, is a testimony to its profound cultural significance.
Colors had a specific and definite meaning for the Maya, and these influenced the artistic development of Mexico's artists. Again a tradition handed down which has been applied and used by them.
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As we have seen in our exploration of the Maya, they handed down to generations the importance and the techniques for creating beautiful pottery all built by hand and painted with clay slip. Generation after generation continued to keep this important trade alive and to excel in pottery making, creating useful pieces were an important part of the everyday life, but served as a decoration in most households. I believe at the same time it served as a reminder of ancestry, and because so much of the colors and styles of most of the pottery comes from specific regions, it helped individuals to keep that connection alive.
Like many other cultures; pottery is a treasure that serves as a reminder of ancestors. In many cases its use is connected to a ritual or local costume. For the Maya the drinking of chocolate was one of the highest rituals, and pots created for this particular purpose were of importance.
Textiles
Another way that ancient Mayas measured their wealth was by the quantity and quality of textiles such as beautifully decorated "mantas". Modern day art historians believe that owning textiles was an indication of nobility. This skill and creation is still a modern day tradition practiced by Maya descendants and many others in Mexico and Guatemala. Very intricate patterns and colors are used in the creation of "mantas" 'huipils" clothing, blankets, blouses and rugs.
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Murals
Paintings on walls were important to the Maya; these told us their history. The pre-Columbian art survives even today throughout Mexico. Murals are one of the most interesting artistic gifts given to modern day art by ancient Mexicans especially in the New World.
This has been accomplished in particular through the works of Diego Rivera and David Siqueiros, both important Mexican painters, who influenced many other artists to come after them.
Rivera's work gives us the historical perspective of what was happening at the time of his artistic career. His influence and use of murals moved North to the United States. He became the example and leader in the WPA Program during the Depression, which gave projects to artists throughout the nation, to paint murals in many cities. Rivera created a public history in which the working man was dignified and important. In his murals he included not just the "caciques,” or high ranking political rulers of the moment, but the common individual who was part of the everyday life, with the changes occurring in the world.
Frida Kahlo, wife of Diego Rivera and an unique artist in her own right, made the use of colors an intrical part of her work. I shall explore not just how she used this ancient artistic theory, but many other both her European paternal influence but also her maternal Mexican ancestry. She incorporated them as part of her creativity and painting.
During the l930' and l940's the influence of Mexican artists was prevalent not just in the United States, but also in the major European centers of art. Mexico became a center for artists; for reasons of creativity, but I believe also because of the devastated world economical situation due to the depression and the Nazi influence in Europe. These circumstances helped to make Mexico an oasis that enabled many to survive both artistically and economically .
In this atmosphere both Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera were at the apex of their influence. They created an artistic community that encouraged creativity, important influence and support.