Bowers Museum “Mexican Muralism in Perspective” Lecture Series Starts Jan. 27

Six-Part Series Covers Orozco, Rivera, Siqueiros, Kahlo and Muralism’s Roots

The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana will be presenting a six-part lecture series titled Art in Context: Mexican Muralism in Perspective (1920-1970) starting on Wed., January 27 at 11am and continuing on consecutive Wednesdays through March 2. Hosted by art historian Annalee Andres with Guest Lecturer Valerie Taylor, PhD, each lecture takes place at 11am and will focus on the careers of the three prominent artists of the Mexican mural movement known as los Tres Grandes: Jose Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros. The series will also cover the work of painter Frida Kahlo and key figures such as Jose Guadalupe Posada and Dr. Atl (Gerardo Murillo).

The lectures will take place in the Fluor Gallery, and tickets are $12 for each lecture or FREE for Bowers members. Tickets are available at the Bowers Museum Visitors Services desk or online at www.bowers.org. Proceeds benefit Bowers Museum Education Programs and are non-refundable. For questions, email programs@bowers.org or call 714-567-3677.

The Bowers Museum offers affordable annual membership levels that include a $25 student level, $50 adult level and $96 Family and Friends level, which includes two adults and up to four children age 18 and younger. Bowers memberships provide one full year of free general admission to the Bowers Museum, Kidseum, special free member events and discounts to programs and purchases at the Bowers’ Gallery Store.

Art in Context: Mexican Muralism in Perspective (1920-1970)

• Jan. 27 – Week 1: Introduction: Mexican art and the historical context: Culture and Revolution
• Feb. 3 – Week 2: Two key figures in the early formation of the Mexican muralists: Jose Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913), the master of Mexican print-making and Gerardo Murillo (1875-1964) the director of the Academy of San Carlos known as Dr. Atl.
• Feb. 10 – Week 3: Jose Clemente Orozco (1883-1949), one of the three great Mexican muralists (with Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros). His public-building murals, in a cold and austere style show human struggles and sacrifices during the Mexican Revolution.
• Feb. 17 – Week 4: Diego Rivera (1886-1957) designed murals for public spaces in the 1920s and 1930s. His vision of art in the services of society resulted in vast, crowded images filled with a memorable detail.
• Feb. 24 – Week 5: David Alfaro Siqueiros (1896-1974): An experimental and prolific painter and writer who was deeply involved in progressive, political causes in Mexico in the 1920s and 1930s. His murals function as revolutionary manifestos in their own right.
• March 2 – Week 6: Frida Kahlo (1907-1954): One of the best-known Mexican painters. Kahlo created powerful, figurative images that synthesized her sufferings in a Surrealist style. She utilized powerful and graphic imagery to express childhood memories, Mexican mythology and the unconscious mind.

The Bowers Museum is located at 2002 N. Main St. in Santa Ana, less than a minute from the 5 freeway at the Main St. South exit. The Bowers is also conveniently accessible from the 22, 55 and 57 freeways. The Bowers Museum is open Tues.-Sun. from 10am-4pm. General admission is $13 on weekdays and $15 on weekends for Adults; and $10 on weekdays and $12 on weekends for Students and Seniors. Children under 12 receive free admission every day when accompanied by a paid adult. For more information, please visit www.bowers.org/en-espanol or call 714-567-3600.

ABOUT THE BOWERS MUSEUM

The Bowers Museum has earned an international reputation through its world-class exhibitions, including Warriors, Tombs and Temples: China’s Enduring Legacy, Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor, Secrets of the Silk Road, and Mummies – Death and the Afterlife: Treasures from the British Museum, as well as its own extensive art collections from throughout the Americas and the South Pacific. Additionally, the Bowers’ Kidseum, located one block south of the main museum, offers a high-tech and interactive focus on its new mission of “Igniting Imagination through Exploration” spotlighting the excitement of art and archaeology.

Enjoy a leisurely luncheon at our award-winning restaurant, Tangata. Outdoor seating is also available, overlooking the Bowers historic mission-style courtyard from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Browse the rare and exotic at the Bowers Museum Gallery Store. It’s more than just a shopping trip—it’s a cultural experience.

Victor Payan
Latino Audience Engagement Specialist
2002 North Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706
T: 714.567.3645 F: 714.567.3603
VPayan@bowers.org