The world celebrates Mexican artist Diego Rivera’s legacy today. Diego María de la Concepción Juan Nepomuceno Estanislao de la Rivera y Barrientos Acosta y Rodríguez was born in 1886 in Guanajuato, Mexico. Rivera is recognized as the person who exposed Mexican art to the rest of the world. As a muralist, he believed in making art that was accessible to the masses.
Google honors Rivera with a Google Doodle that demonstrates his unique style. The National Council for Culture and the Arts (Conaculta) in Mexico City honors his 125th anniversary as well, stating that Rivera was an outstanding member of the Mexican muralist movement. His work can be seen on different buildings in Mexico and all around the world including in San Francisco, Detroit, and New York. Additionally, Rivera’s birthplace in Guanajuato was adorned with flowers. “It is an important day for Mexicans and for Latin American art because Diego Rivera is wont of its principal exponents,” said the director of the Museum at the house of Diego Rivera. Experts consider Rivera to be “one of the most important plastic artists of the 20th century.” Not only is he famous for his artwork, but also for his important role in the political and cultural life in Mexico and as an outspoken member of the Mexican Communist Party. In 1950, he won the National Prize for Sciences and Arts in Mexico. He died 7 years later on November 24.
“Con flores festejan 125 años de Diego Rivera.” El Universal. 8 December, 2011.
“Diego Rivera, artist and man of fire, celebrated with Google Doodle.” LA Times. 8 December, 2011.
