Essay Sample on Tamayo's Contradiction: A Revolution in Mexican Art

Introduction

Tamayo versus the Mexican Mural Painters is an article that is authored by Bernard Myers and looks at the revolution of art in Mexico. While art transcends the historical path of any nation, it was more pronounced in Mexico than any many other countries. The Mexican Revolution in art was at its zenith in the middle twenties. At the heart of the Mexican Revolution in the art are several painters among them Tamayo, who seemed to contradict with a majority of the social painters.

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Some of the differences were personal while others were social. Besides, these two groups seemed to perceive art from different viewpoints; the reason for their differences. For instance, while the Revolutionary painters make an extensive referral to the ancient arts of Mexico, Tamayo took a rather different route and depended more on his "personal experiences with handicrafts of today" (Myers 102). Out of his personal experiences, Tamayo made the distorted Judas figures, which were usually painted in brilliant colors.

The other difference between Tamayo and the Mexican Mural painters was in what each of them perceived aesthetics and beauty to be. Tamayo's perception of aesthetics is that the beauty of a painting should not be derived from other elements outside painting.

Tamayo's contribution to the revolutions is immense, even though he is regarded as an outside element in the Mexican situation. Tamayo felt that his presence in Mexico was not being recognized as he would have wished. As a result, he made the bold decision to quit Mexico and shifted to New York which he considered the center of activities and where he felt that his artistic contribution would be acknowledged.

One of my reaction to the article was the relationship that existed between Tamayo and the Mexican mural painters. While the mural painters were comfortable in making their contributions in Mexico at all costs, Tamayo was ready to move to a place where he felt that his contribution would be felt. This explains his decision to shift from Mexico to New York. This shows the independence of Tamayo's mind. This made Tamayo an international figure since his artistic work would be present both in Mexico and New York. As such, his influence grew with his decision to move locations.The other reaction towards this piece is that mural painting in Mexico served to pass social messages across Mexico. The mural painting was supported by Mexican authorities as a means of unifying the country. This public art contained a socialist message which was conversant with the Mexico of the time. With the administration of President Cardenas, a lot of emphasis on art was placed on socially significant actions as well as ideas. Since Tamayo's art did not concentrate on socially significant ideas, it did not fit in the Mexican context.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the evolution of art in Mexico has taken a long route. It received support from some artists but did not receive the support from others. Tamayo is regarded as one of the artists who refused to conform to the dictates of painting in Mexico. While the Mexican mural painters placed great emphasis on art that reflected the social ideas, Tamayo focused more on art that reflected his personal experiences. As a result, he found that his art did not fit the Mexican context and this made him to focus his attention elsewhere.

Works Cited

Myers, B. S. (January 01, 1954). Tamayo versus the Mexican mural painters. College Art Journal / College Art Association of America, 100-105.