Diego Rivera (1886 - 1957) was an influential Mexican muralist during the 1900s and known around the world for his political statements in art.

Born in Guanajuato, Mexico, Rivera began painting at an early age, studying at a major art academy until 1907, when he went to Spain to further his talent. Over the next 14 years, he travelled throughout Europe and studied different artistic styles, including Cubism and Post-Impressionism. Studying Renaissance frescoes had a profound effect on Rivera and inspired his future in creating massive murals.

In 1921, Rivera returned his native Mexico and received commissions for many public works, some sponsored by the government. He began depicting the country’s history, its progress, and its politics in art work his fellow citizens often viewed, resulting in his growing fame nationally and internationally.

Rivera met Mexican artist Frida Kahlo in 1928 and married her the following year, which was his third marriage and the start of a very rocky, but passionate, relationship.

Among his many patrons for murals were the American Stock Exchange Luncheon Club and the California School of Fine Arts, but in 1933, the Rockefeller family of New York commissioned Rivera to paint a mural in Rockefeller Center, which ultimately resulted in controversy for its bold Communist depictions. The public led demonstrations to have a portrait of Communist leader Vladimir Lenin removed, but Rivera refused to alter his political message. The Rockefeller murals were destroyed the following year.

Rivera honored the tradition of Mexican folk art, made a mark on the world with his historic murals, and was an intricate player in the growth of Mexico’s art scene. He remains an influential and beloved artist of Mexico and the Americas today.

© ProjectExplorer.org, 2010.
Text by Maisie Bornstein & Courtney Rogers. Edited by Lindsay Clark.
Image: Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, 19 March 1932. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Van Vechten Collection.