The history of this exhibition is absolutely unique: it was to be inaugurated on 13th September 1973 in Santiago and the works had already arrived in the capital of Chile. But because of the coup, the exhibition was suspended and remained so "pendiente" for many years. The works of the great muralists - belonging to the collection of Alvar Carrillo Gil and his wife Carmen Tejero - risked the destruction, but were finally saved (coming up to our days) thanks to the support of commissioners, curators, institutions and the Mexican and Chilean Chancelleries . This has allowed, over 40 years, to exhibit them 2015 in Chile, 2016 in Argentina, 2017 in Peru and now in Italy.
[The Three Big mural, credit Chris English]
The exhibition presents about 70 works by three great artists: José Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros so famous as to be called "LOS TRES GRANDES"(The 3 Big), prominent figures of Mexican and international culture. Their art represents the excellence of mural painting and one of the most important currents of the twentieth century at the international level.
Since 1922 (the year in which "Los Tres Grandes" created an important mural in the Ancient College of San Ildefonso of Mexico City, onwards, in addition to the murals, these three great artists also experimented with other artistic techniques, ranging from works on canvas, drawing and engraving, receiving numerous public and private commissions not only in Mexico, but also in the United States and in South America: this exhibition allows the visitor to fully explore the knowledge of the artistic practice of these three masters, presenting also less known works and experiments, such as sketches for murals and large drawings.
[Orozco, Dartmouth College, Baker Memorial Library]
The collection is composed almost entirely of oils and drawings of great political commitment that testify, in an effective and engaging way, the poetics of the three major muralists, emblem of Mexican modernity in the world. The exhibited works are accompanied by a large documentation of the original murals, realized with modern HD video animation technologies that allow you to admire and locate the main works of the three muralists in the various cities of Mexico.
[Rivera, Staircase, Mexikan Eagle, credit Wolfgang Sauber]
In addition to the "Mostra Sospesa" there are also some historical documents: a video documentary, newspaper articles, telegrams and handwritten letters of solidarity and cultural exchange that existed between Mexico and Chile in 1973. Finally, thanks to a wide and fascinating photographic collection, the exhibition presents the artistic and sentimental story of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, who were the absolute protagonists of that artistic and historical season.
[Siqueiros, Apotheosis of Cuauhtemoc, credit Anderson KL]
The exhibition is made possible thanks to the Museo d'Arte Carrillo Gil with the support of the Mexican Embassy in Italy. Promoted by the Palazzo Ducale Foundation, the exhibition is organized by Glocal Project Consulting and Civita Mostre.
Palazzo Ducale - Apartment of the Doge Genova,
Piazza Matteotti, 9
Info: www.palazzoducale.genova.it/mexico-la-pittura-dei-grandi-muralisti-e-gli-scatti-di-vita-di-diego-rivera-e-frida-kahlo/
International editions: