Museum Description: The theme of this museum centers around the history of Mexico by showcasing different elements that are both important and significant. As someone who is Mexican, I want to be able to show different artworks that tell a story about either the history or the culture of Mexico. Growing up I didn't know much about Mexico in general so I always felt disconnected but I remember learning about different Mexican artists and how their artworks resembled parts of Mexico, whether it be about important events in history or showing the beauty of the culture. Seeing those types of artworks made me feel more connected and I was able to learn new things about Mexico that I probably wouldn't have learned anywhere else. And that's what I want to bring with this museum. I just don't want to showcase artworks from Mexican artists that have show different aspects of Mexico but also have people that are Mexican feel connected as well as have people learn new things about Mexico.
Impact Statement: Artists are able to tell a story through their artworks and these artists are no different. These stories are capable of teaching us new things about what it's portraying and these artworks all tell a different story about both Mexico's history and about the culture. Regardless of where you are from, anyone can have some kind of connection with these artworks and even have an interest in learning more about Mexico. Being able to learn about a country's history or its culture can grow an interest on wanting to learn more and I want all visitors to have that kind of experience with this museum.
Room 1. Historical Events
Historical events contribute to a collective memory and understanding of our cultural heritage as well as providing a sense of belonging and even a connection to the past. This room showcases different artworks that portray different historical events in the history of Mexico that helped shape the country to what is it today.
"Del Porfirismo a la Revolución" by David Alfaro Siqueiros, created in the year 1666
(Content) This piece depicts key events and social clashes that lead up to the Mexican Revolution as well as showcasing the first Mexican strike in Cananea which is considered the beginning of the Mexican Revolution. The artwork shows cultural identity by highlighting indigenous peoples and rural communities as central to the revolutionary movement. The use of dynamic compositions and dramatic perspective guides the eyes and conveys motion.
"Viva Mexico!" by Juan O'Gorman, created in the year 1961
(Form) This mural showcases the “Grito de Dolores” which marked the beginning of Mexico’s revolutionary period. The artist uses bold, saturated colors that evoke the vibrancy of Mexican art and culture. The hues also enhance the mural's celebratory tone while drawing attention to key elements. There is different symbolic elements such as the revolutionary banners being used to represent freedom. There is also different figurative representation by featuring recognizable figures such as Father Hidalgo in the center part of this mural.
"The Epic of American Civilization" by José Clemente Orozco, created in the year 1934
(Context/ Form) The historical context of this mural reflects the ideals and struggles from the Mexican Revolution such as conflict and the fight for social justice. The use of expressive lines dominate many scenes which emphasizes conflict and destruction. The simplified shapes create symbolic and abstract forms which makes the imagery impactful. The use of dramatic contrasts highlight key elements that's being shown such as violence and destruction.
"Battle of Puebla" by Patricio Ramos Ortega, created in the year 1862
(Content/ Context) There’s no doubt that the Battle of Puebla is a major symbolic victory for Mexico and it was seen as a sign of hope and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. The historical realism used depicts the event with a sense of realism by using accurate uniforms, weapons and settings to immerse people in the historical moment. It also depicts conflict and resistance by showing how the Mexican force is smaller and less equipped but are able to overcome the powerful army from the opposing side. The cultural context explains how the Battle of Puebla is a source of national pride and highlights the unity of Mexican unity.
Room 2. Historical Figures
Many historical figures have played important roles when it comes to shaping events, movements and policies that influenced the course of history. Learning about these important historical figures can help gain a deeper understanding and even feel a sense of connection with heritages. This room showcases different historical figures that are played a key role when it came to shaping the history of Mexico for the better.
"Agrarian Leader Zapata" by Diego Rivera, created in the year 1931
(Content) The subject matter shows Emiliano Zapata as a leader of the Mexican Revolution and it depicts him leading a group of agriculture workers in a lush landscape. The painting itself emphasizes Zapata's rural origins and the battle for land reform. The painting also is used to symbolize the Mexican Revolution's victory through a depiction of Zapata as a hero and leader. So the overall message is that Emiliano Zapata, who was a revolutionary leader that fought for land reform, was a hero of the revolution.
“Retablo de la Revolucion” by Juan O’Gorman, created in the year 1968
(Content/Form) The subject matter in this artwork depicts scenes from the Mexican Revolution, highlighting the early stages of the uprising lead by Francisco I. Madero. Francisco I. Madero also helped spark the Mexican Revolution. The composition from this painting chorological arrangement which moves from foundational struggles to revolutionary triumphs. The colors used are bright and saturated hues that are used to energize the composition which other colors are used as symbols. For example, red can be symbolized for revolution and sacrifice while green can be used for hope and land.
"Father Hidalgo" by Jose Clemente Orozco, created in the year 1949
(Form) Miguel Hidalgo, aka Father Hidalgo, is known as the "Father of Mexican Independence" because he was the one who sparked the Mexican War of Independence with his speech "Cry of Dolores." The use of vertical lines helps emphasize Hidalgo's heroic figure which gives him a sense of power and height. It also uses diagonal lines that is often intersecting from Hidalgo and it enhances the impact and emphasizes intensity of the scene. As a way to depict Father Hidalgo, the artwork incorporates organic shapes to contribute to the lifelike quality and intensity of the figure. The use of value creates depth and intensity by utilizing strong contrasts between light and dark areas to draw focus on Father Hidalgo as the central figure and emphasize his importance. The artwork also uses asymmetry by intentionally making the composition unbalanced to create a dynamic feel.
“La Constitución De 1917” by Jorge González Camarena, created in the year 1967
(Content/Form) The artwork uses subject matter to introduce the proclamation of the Mexican Constitution of 1917 and Venustiano Carranza, the man in the painting, played a lead role in drafting it. Carranza was also a key leader of the Mexican Revolution and became the first president of the new Mexican republic. The figures in the background symbolize the people and ideologies that drove the creation of the Constitution. While looking at this painting you can see the use of both geometric and organic shapes that help balance realism with symbolic abstraction. The use of both vertical and diagonal lines emphasize the strength and tension while drawing attention to key elements in the artwork such as Venustiano Carranza and the Constitution.
Room 3. Festivities
Cultural festivities serve as a vital way to preserve and promote traditions, heritages and identity by bringing people together to celebrate customs and values. Cultural festivities are also passed down by generations as well as allowing the younger generations to learn about and connect with their heritage while ensuring that cultural identity is maintained overtime. This room showcases different festivities that are celebrated in Mexico and the significance they have.
"The Day of the Dead" by Diego Rivera, created in the year 1924
(Content) Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a celebration where people remember and honor deceased loved ones, as well as believing return to the earthly realm during this time. The different elements, such as the calaveras and alters, symbolize themes like death and remembrance. The cultural content emphasizes the importance of indigenous customs and showcasing how this celebration is a importance element of Mexican culture.
"La Ofrenda" by Saturnino Herrán, created in the year 1913
(Content/ Form) Ofrendas, or altars, are the central part of the Day of the Dead as a way to honor deceased loved ones and by adding elements that are filled with symbols and meanings. The cultural content with this artwork emphasizes the act of making offerings, which are ofrendas, to honor loved ones. The marigolds are symbolized as life and death and are a key element when it comes to the Day of the Dead. The composition is balanced with the central figures and the altar being the main elements of the scene. The use of organic lines create naturalistic forms, specifically with the figures and the offerings.
"Las Posadas" by Carmen Lomas Garza, created in the year 2000
(Content) Las Posadas is a significant Mexican Christmas tradition that has religious meaning behind it and there are different activities done such as processions and carol singing. The cultural content showcases the traditional Mexican holiday practice of Las Posadas while emphasizing the cultural heritage and values. Elements shown in the artwork, such as the candles, stars and gathering of people, symbolize hope and togetherness. It also serves as an allegory for faith and hospitality. The central theme of Las Posadas is rooted in religious traditions, specifically Catholicism. This tradition highlights the nativity story and the religious significance.
"The History of Mexico" by Diego Rivera, created in the year 1935
(Form) While this mural showcases different elements in Mexican history, it also features different festivities from different eras while capturing the cultural community of those festivities. The use of vibrant and rich colors help distinguish various historical periods. The use of light and shadow emphasizes certain elements and creates a sense of volume which enhances the murals realism. The composition of the mural is arranged in way to guide the viewer through Mexico's history a chorological sequence.
And with that we have come to an end with the museum portraying the history of Mexico. I truly hope you have enjoyed the artworks that were showcased as well as the artists that made them. Whether you already knew about certain parts or learned something new, I hope I was able to peak an interest about learning more about the history of Mexico. There are definitely much more artworks that showcase key elements to the history of Mexico so I do recommended to take a look at them as well. And most importantly, I hope I was able to give you a better understanding about the history of Mexico.