Mexican Painters: Rivera, Orozco, Siqueiros, and Other Artists of the Social Realist School

Originally published in in 1941 Dover released this paperback edition in 1989 in their line of Art history books. Dover does a nice job of reviving important works at affordable prices. Granted this edition may not be as grand as the original published by Harper & Lee but it serves as a sort of everyman's introductory guide that is transportable. The author, Mackinley Helm has first hand knowledge of his subject as he rubbed shoulders with the Big Three, Orozco, Siquieros & Rivera. Many items featured in print are from his oown collection. Of these the drawings are most notable. Besides being an art collector himself he knew these individuals which provides his discourse with insight and first hand knowledge. However Helm goes way beyond just exploring the greater known Mexican artists as he ties all aspects together for a seemless vision which includes including social and political influences. There are ten chapters and he aptly begins with the '"grandfather " of Mexican Art Dr. Atl or as he calls him theSaint John the Baptist of Mexican Art. Christened Gerardo Murrillo, Dr. Atl adopted his own name from the Nahuatl language meaning water. Working in the shadows of the volcano Popocatepetl or "Popo" he feathered his legend living simply and looking like Biblical figure with long beard and by painting natural vistas usually with Popo in the background. He later established an art school where notable Mexican painters studied. In the first chapter Helm also explores the influence of another master, Guadalupe Posada, who influenced the more well known muralists who came to be known as the Big Three. Posada was known for drawing calveras or skeletons, he created caricatures of political figues in the newspaper during a time of upheaval prior to the Mexican Revolution. All of these early influences are explored that would be the foundation for the flourishing renaissance in Mexican Art. Although much of the book is dedicated to the Big Three Helms does explore many lesser known artists and includes 82 plates and 95 illustrations. The prints are adequate but not spectacular as they are in black and white. When compared to the colorful originals or plates found in other books it is a little disappointing . However the pencil and ink drawings do translate well although the size is limited to the smaller size(see dimensions) of the book. I think the strength of this book is the text itself which is full of historical information and personal recollections. Artists covered include , Rivera, Siquiros , Orozco, Kahlo, Tamayo, Posada, Escobedo, Morado, Meza, Romero, Lazo, Montenegro, Merida, Goitia, Ruiz, Izquierdo, Lozano, Cantu, Lozano and Galvan.This is an excellent introduction to Mexican Art book but also serves well someone more well versed in the subject matter. Recommended for Mexican Art enthusiasts.