Title: Mexican Muralism - Concepts & Styles | TheArtStory
Headings: Mexican Muralism - History and Concepts
Mexican Muralism - History and Concepts
Mexican Muralism
Beginnings of Mexican Muralism
Mexico's Traditional Murals
The Mexican Revolution
A Government-backed program
Los Tres Grandes
Escuela Nacional Preparatoria
Mexican Muralism in the USA
Mexican Muralism: Concepts, Styles, and Trends
Revolution
Socialism
Industry
Religion
Later Developments - After Mexican Muralism
Key Artists
Do Not Miss
Important Art and Artists of Mexican Muralism
Related Movements & Topics

Content: In 1906, Dr. Atl had written a manifesto expressing a desire for a new art movement in Mexico that which would speak to the interests and realities of the Mexican people. This document was an important precursor to the Mexican Muralist movement, and was seen and admired by his artistic acquaintances, including artist Diego Rivera. Dr. Atl is generally credited with conceiving of the first modern mural for the Escuela Nacional Preparatoria, Mexico's oldest secondary school construction had begun in 1910 but it, along with the idea of the mural, was postponed due to the revolution and was never completed in that location. When the Mexican Revolution ended in 1920, Diaz had been overthrown and a new government came into rule, which would eventually establish itself as the Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI). The new government's aim was to establish a new era for Mexico and its newly empowered people, and one of the ways it planned to do this was through art. A Government-backed program
In 1920, the new government decided to follow in Dr. Atl's footsteps, and commissioned a large number of public works of art which would promote and support the values fundamental to the revolution and to help establish a new identity for Mexico. This new identity was based on Mexico's rich historical traditions as well as a sense of moving forward into the modern age. Importantly, most Mexicans at the time were illiterate, and promoting the new government's message could not be accomplished through traditional media such as pamphlets and newspapers. Instead, the government communicated their cause through large-scale murals in public places which could be seen by many. The murals' aesthetic appeal would also help Mexicans adapt to the new regime by affecting an overall sense of pride and cultural beauty within the communities as a whole.