El Puente Mural

As part of the course, the task was to write a research paper about an exchange between two cultures. My research topic explores the ways in which Mexican Muralists from the 1920’s influenced American artists over the 20th century. The influence of Mexican muralists on American artists in the 1900s was significant, and can be seen in the work of many American artists who were inspired by their bold, expressive styles and their commitment to using art as a means of addressing social and political issues.

This project was one of my first research assignments and allowed for me to work on my visual graphic skills to communicate a story on the rich history and Mexican and American Art.

Introduction

How were murals able to communicate information about the identity of the general public in both Mexico and the United States? What led to collaboration between Mexican artists and the United States in the 1900’s? How has the exchange affected the function of murals today in both Mexico and the United States? These are all questions that can be answered when we look at the exchange of ideas, styles, and techniques between the artists from different countries. Out of the Mexican Revolution, came a new Renaissance of art. The public murals commissioned by the newly installed government depicted the history and everyday life of Mexico’s people. As their popularity grew, many American private institutions began to commission the Mexican artists to paint large murals in their buildings. The legacy of 1930’s Mexican artists whose works were politically motivated, shaped a unique branch of modernism in which many 20th century American artists took inspiration from their themes and techniques.