Creation by Diego Rivera (1922)
Mexican Artist
1.) The mural by Rivera is heavily influenced by religious symbolism and images; therefore, I don't personally relate to this piece. Despite this, my mother's family is very religious and has artwork similar to this around their house. It gives them hope and reminds them to be grateful for what God has given them.
2.) This piece is meant to be a "summary of human history". It combines Mexican, Judeo-Christian, and Hellenic motifs, making it a complex composition. It is meant to represent Faith, Hope, Charity, Education, and Science. Additionally, the mural is also relevant to more than just Mexican culture, because Diego Rivera spent time in Italy where he was drawn to the Renaissance fresco style which is evident in this piece.
3.) The piece tells us that religion and education were (and still are) very important parts of Mexican culture. In fact, Rivera was commissioned by the Mexican Minister of Education, Jose Vasconcelos, to paint this mural on the wall of the National Preparatory School auditorium in Mexico city. Currently, around 80% of the Mexican population are Roman Catholics, indicating the immense impact Christianity has on Mexican culture.
4.) The mood of the piece is meant to be light and glorious. This is reflected in his vibrant color choice and symbolism. The three outstretched hands at the top center is rumored to represent the Divine Trinity. On the right, Christian virtues are personified as Prudence, Justice, and Strength. On the left are Love, Hope, and Faith. Finally, the top two characters are meant to symbolize Wisdom and Science.
5.) In the mural, Diego Rivera makes a point to avoid political and ideological topics. During this period, Mexico was struggling through a revolution. Research of the time in which the mural was completed creates a broader understanding of the piece. Diego Rivera was a dedicated Marxist and joined the Communist Party the same year he painted Creation. He supported radical land reforms and steps toward bringing equity to the economy. Having controversial beliefs compelled Rivera to carry a pistol as he painted the mural in the case of being attacked by right-wing students.
6.) Viewing the piece 200 years after being made gives Rivera's audience a greater understanding of not only the mural, but the historical context it was made in. Researching Creation has informed me about both artistic trends of this time and region, and political conflicts that swept through Mexico in the 1900s. Finally, it has also reminded me that division between groups greatly affects the course of human behavior and governments,
Mexican Artist
1.) The mural by Rivera is heavily influenced by religious symbolism and images; therefore, I don't personally relate to this piece. Despite this, my mother's family is very religious and has artwork similar to this around their house. It gives them hope and reminds them to be grateful for what God has given them.
2.) This piece is meant to be a "summary of human history". It combines Mexican, Judeo-Christian, and Hellenic motifs, making it a complex composition. It is meant to represent Faith, Hope, Charity, Education, and Science. Additionally, the mural is also relevant to more than just Mexican culture, because Diego Rivera spent time in Italy where he was drawn to the Renaissance fresco style which is evident in this piece.
3.) The piece tells us that religion and education were (and still are) very important parts of Mexican culture. In fact, Rivera was commissioned by the Mexican Minister of Education, Jose Vasconcelos, to paint this mural on the wall of the National Preparatory School auditorium in Mexico city. Currently, around 80% of the Mexican population are Roman Catholics, indicating the immense impact Christianity has on Mexican culture.
4.) The mood of the piece is meant to be light and glorious. This is reflected in his vibrant color choice and symbolism. The three outstretched hands at the top center is rumored to represent the Divine Trinity. On the right, Christian virtues are personified as Prudence, Justice, and Strength. On the left are Love, Hope, and Faith. Finally, the top two characters are meant to symbolize Wisdom and Science.
5.) In the mural, Diego Rivera makes a point to avoid political and ideological topics. During this period, Mexico was struggling through a revolution. Research of the time in which the mural was completed creates a broader understanding of the piece. Diego Rivera was a dedicated Marxist and joined the Communist Party the same year he painted Creation. He supported radical land reforms and steps toward bringing equity to the economy. Having controversial beliefs compelled Rivera to carry a pistol as he painted the mural in the case of being attacked by right-wing students.
6.) Viewing the piece 200 years after being made gives Rivera's audience a greater understanding of not only the mural, but the historical context it was made in. Researching Creation has informed me about both artistic trends of this time and region, and political conflicts that swept through Mexico in the 1900s. Finally, it has also reminded me that division between groups greatly affects the course of human behavior and governments,