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May 11, 2004, 5:57 PM

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“The Inquisition – a forgotten mural”

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PRESS RELEASE
Morelia, Michoacan
For Immediate Publication
May 8 2004

A FORGOTTEN MURAL RETURNS TO PUBLIC VIEW AND
DELIVERS A POWERFUL MESSAGE

Morelia, Mexico: IACI, AC (Intercambio de Arte y Cultura, AC) a US-Mexican association created in 2003 to further international exchanges between the Americas, is officially launching the restoration project of “The Inquisition – a forgotten mural” with a week long program commencing May 10 in Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico.

Shortly after its founding in 2003, IACI, AC was mandated by the Museo Regional de Michoacan, one of Mexico’s longest standing museums, under the direction of Arquitecto Eugenio Mercado, to assist in raising awareness of the existence of this mural, believed to be one of the largest ever executed in Mexico by American artists, and certainly, one of the most provocative. Say Leah Poller, Director of IACI “Little could one imagine that when Morelia was named “Patrimony of Humanity” by UNESCO, one of its major treasures was yet to be revealed, Our restoration program will return this monumental work to an international audience and share a message in keeping with the artist’ original title to this work: The Struggle Against War and Fascism”, incredibly pertinent to the condition of terrorism confronting our present day societies.”

In 1934, encouraged by famous Mexican muralist Siquieros, two young Americans from Southern California spent 6 months in Morelia painting the mural known in Michoacan as “La Inquisicion”, and in the US as “The Struggle against War and Fascism”. Its primary artists - Ruben Kadish and Philip Goldstein - created the mural in six months, and left Mexico, never to return. Shortly thereafter, for reasons which remain to be revealed, orders were given to destroy the mural. In fact, it was mysteriously covered instead of destroyed, and remained out of site for almost 40 years, when workmen repairing leaks in the roof led to its rediscovery.

It wasn’t until 2001 when Kadish’s surviving brother Frank made a pilgrimage to Morelia, and informed Mercado that the second artist Philip Goldstein, had changed his name to Philip Guston, known worldwide for his major role in the Abstract Expressionist Art Movement, founded by his art school friend Jackson Pollack.

Under the direction of Leah Poller (NY), Director, and Arquitecto Arturo Macias (Uruapan), President of IACI, Morelia will be the scene of a weeklong program including a presentation by Arq. Mercado, a Round Table Discussion, a Seminar on the Great Mexican Muralists, and an International exhibition at the museum as follows:

Tuesday May 11, 11:00am
Press Conference, Museo Regional Michoacano

Wednesday, May 12, 7:00pm.
Conference: “The Inquisition – a forgotten mural” with Eugenio Mercado López, Director of the Museo Regional Michoacano
(Free)

Thursday, May 13, 6:00pm
Round Table Discussion: The mural “The inquisition – in search of an answer”
Mel Pekarsky, Kadish Foundation, US.
Dr. Ellen Landau, Art Historian, US
David McKee, McKee Gallery, New York
Irene Herner, Historian, Mexico City
Musa Mayer, Author, and daughter of Philip Guston, US.
Dr. Héctor Ceballos, Art Critic, México
And other personalities

Friday, May 14, 6:00
Major Conference: The Muralists: Orozco, Rivera y Siqueiros
Gregorio Luke, Director of the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), California
Ticket: 100.00 pesos

Friday, May 14, 8:30 pm
.Inauguratión of the International Exhibition: Senderos Mexicanos - Paths to Mexico, Co-curated by Leah Poller, Director of IACI, AC and Bobbi Van (NY)
Museo Regional Michoacano.

Participating Artists:
.
Umberto Albanese, Italy
Javier Azurdia, Chile.
Andrew Cameron Bailey, USUnidos.
Rocío Caballero M., México.
*Rubén Chuela, México.
*Linda Donovan, Mexico
Nora Hutchinson Johnson, US
Fay Grajower, US
Rosaline Koener, Belgium
Carlos Larracilla, México.
Laurie Lea, US.
*Arturo Macías A., México.
Connie Baxter Marlow, US
*Ana Catalina Rubio, México.
*Leah Poller, US
*Samuel Saunders, US
Bruce Sherman, US
Azucena Solórzano, Mexico.
Bobbi Van, US
(* founders of l IACI, AC)

The mission of the IACI, AC is to promote cultural exchanges between the Americas. Founded in 2003 by a group of American and Mexican artists, its activities include international art exhibitions, literary and poetic publications, graphic arts, music and cultural awareness programs. IACI, AC ceates unique conditions for the promotion and promulgation of cultural exchange. For further information, contact LEAH POLLER, Director, IACI,AC, (T-Mex: (52) 44 34 01 7778), T - US (917 362 3168) or email: artallny@aol.com

Leah Poller,
Director
IACI, AC
Intercambio de Arte y Cultura, AC
98 Greene Street
New York NY 10012

or

Arquiteto Arturo Macias
Presidente, IACI, AC
Pasaje Martinez 17
Uruapan Mx 60000