The Influence Of Modernism In Latin America

It was not only the United States and Europe that were touched by Modernism; Latin America was also feeling the effect of this shift in the art world during the beginning of the 20th century. While beginning to achieve some level of independence from its European occupiers, Latin American and its artists were embracing Modernism which fit well with the mixed race cultures of this region. The indigenous peoples of Mexico, for instance, endured a brutal occupation by the Spanish starting in 1521 by Hernán Cortés(1485 - 1547) until the Mexican revolution(1910-1920) after which the indigenous peoples were honored and encourage to become educated. One of the artists discussed in this paper is Diego Rivera(1886-1957) who was a champion of these native peoples. This paper will compare Zapatista Landscape (1915) by Diego Rivera and Three Musicians (1921) by Pablo Picasso(1881-1973).
He may have also be influenced by his friendship with Picasso. They both seem comfortable deconstructing their subject matter into simpler forms in much the way that modern science. This reductionism would seem to be in line with them both being Atheists. Although some of the techniques used in the paintings are similar, Rivera’s use of uniquely Mexican objects, serape, sombrero, cartridge belt, and the mountains of Mexico clearly sets his work apart from the European objects found in Picasso's Three Musicians. The use of color is also different which reflects the different cultures; Picasso's darker tones stand in contrast to the vivid reds and luxurious blues which reflect colors that are common in