When I first arrived in Mexico City in the early sixties, it was an intellectual’s paradise. Latin-American writers in exile from their native countries had settled there. American artists and intellectuals disenchanted with American politics were putting down roots. Europeans in search of spiritual rejuvenation called the city their home. And poetry flourished. For a […]
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During the heady days that followed the Mexican revolution, the air was filled with fervent nationalism. The euphoria of new beginnings brought out the best in creative vision from talent that fed on this intoxicating energy. From the ranks of this creative elite came Adolfo Best Maugard, his imprint on Mexican culture more profound than […]
Continue ReadingThis past February I had the pleasure of attending the first concert of the 2005 season given by the Xalapa Symphony Orchestra. It was the first time I had heard the orchestra, and I was impressed by the caliber of its musicians and the breadth of its repertoire. It seemed remarkable that this relatively small […]
Continue ReadingIt would be a terrible oversight to write an “Arts in Mexico” column without paying special tribute to Francisco Toledo, one of Mexico’s greatest living artists. In the eyes of many, he is Mexico’s greatest, with a range of talents second to none. His name has come to be synonymous with Mexico’s soul or at […]
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When Cortes and his small band of bounty hunters first set foot on the shores of pre-Hispanic America, little did they know what real treasures they would take back to the Old World. The precious metals and beautifully crafted artifacts were certainly without equal, but the real bounty was a gift that keeps on giving […]
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The 1920s should not have been a flourishing period for Mexican art. The revolution had just ended. The cruelties of war and constant political upheavals had fragmented the country. And illiteracy was rampant. Alvaro Obregon, the newly elected president, had to unify his fragile country if it was to stabilize. But how do you unify […]
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There is no more glorious an experience or heightening of the senses than to walk through Puebla’s exquisitely beautiful downtown on a sun drenched afternoon. Every building is a work of art. And everywhere, there are gorgeous tiles, dating back hundreds of years and looking as though they were made yesterday. They adorn the facades […]
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Once upon a time… The historical overview: Part 2 Mexico is a country of marked contrast – raw and vital in its energy, still and timeless in its majesty. The non-hurried pace of its people belies a pulsating life force so powerful in its expression that tomorrow is swept up in today, and the moment […]
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Once Upon A Time . . . – The Historical Overview Part 1 The influence of Mexican design on Christian work has been the subject of much controversy. Bernard Bevan in the “History of Spanish Architecture” claimed that the influence of Mexican designs was practically negligible in Mexico and whatever seemed that way was due […]
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I’ve just recently seen the ” Tamayo Illustrador” exhibition at the Museo del Periodismo y las Artes Graficas in downtown Guadalajara. Rufino Tamayo is a Mexican icon, and this was one show I didn’t want to miss. I wasn’t disappointed. Though my first introduction to Tamayo was through his magical, richly textured oils, I found myself […]
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