An interactive exhibit at the Instituto Cultural Cabañas is opening up the world of iconic Mexican muralist Jose Clemente Orozco to hundreds of primary school kids.
“Si yo Fuera Orozco” (If I were Orozco) is divided into six sections, focusing not only on the Jalisco-born artist’s work, but exploring his influences, composition techniques, travels and impact both nationally and abroad.
Exhibit curator Brenda Valdes Rosa said the biggest challenge was making the “bellicose” components to Orozco’s life and work pertinent and accessible to a young age group. A political committed artist, Orozco promoted the causes of the poor and oppressed, often using themes of human suffering. His creations often reveal a troubled soul, which was also reflected in his private life.
The Cabañas houses a series of monumental frescoes by Orozco including one of his most famed creations, the allegory of The Man of Fire. Reflecting Orozco’s vision of the ideal state of humanity, the mural, painted in the main cupola of the building, shows air, earth and water surrounding a man on fire, holding hands and spinning in an endless cycle of life, as he prepares to emerge from the ashes.