Philadelphia Art Museum: Paint the Revolution

The most comprehensive exhibition of Mexican Modernism in 7 decades is now on display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and for visitors, it is an exclusive opportunity.

The exhibition is called Paint the Revolution and it tells the story of a generation of Mexican artists and how their work-from the Mexican Revolution in 1910 through 1950 and the aftermath of World War II-helped shape Modern art around the world.

"All together, they show the multifaceted history of one of the great chapters in the history of Modern art," says Matthew Affron, Philadelphia Museum of Art Curator, "Viewers are going to be amazed by the range of works on view."

There are 280 pieces from about 70 artists working in a variety of mediums, from paintings and photographs to drawings and political caricatures.

"All together, they convey an unrolling story of artistic change against the backdrop of social and political transformation," says Affron.

The exhibition includes the works of three prominent muralists, including Diego Rivera who pioneered a hybrid form of mural that can be moved. The exhibition includes two examples of these portable murals, Sugar Cane and Liberation of the Peon.

"He painted two great narrative stories," says Affron, "about Mexican reality and the lives of the Mexican people."

Rivera's wife, the feminist icon Frida Kahlo, was pivotal in the movement as well, and her works are also prominent in the exhibition.

"She made some extremely interesting pictures about her own experience as a Mexican artist traveling in the states," says Affron who adds that the exhibition travels to Mexico next, making Philadelphia its only U.S. showing, "For me, this is a once-in-a-lifetime project; I'm very excited."

Paint the Revolution is on view through January 8th.

For tickets and museum hours, go to the TheArtsinPhilly.org.