The history behind one of Orozco’s most iconic paintings
Clip: 10/7/2023 | 1m 50sVideo has Closed Captions
“Hidalgo and National Independence" showcases Orozco's artistic intensity.
Orozco painted one of Mexico's most iconic public murals, which directly confronted revered institutions. His fiery painting of Padre Hidalgo, the “George Washington of Mexican Independence,” depicted the leader as a prophet wielding a sword who was “purifying the world with bloodshed.” The artwork showcases Orozco's unapologetic style, characterized by sharp angles and uncompromising intensity.
Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...
The history behind one of Orozco’s most iconic paintings
Clip: 10/7/2023 | 1m 50sVideo has Closed Captions
Orozco painted one of Mexico's most iconic public murals, which directly confronted revered institutions. His fiery painting of Padre Hidalgo, the “George Washington of Mexican Independence,” depicted the leader as a prophet wielding a sword who was “purifying the world with bloodshed.” The artwork showcases Orozco's unapologetic style, characterized by sharp angles and uncompromising intensity.
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How do today’s masters create their art? Each episode an artist reveals how they brought their creative work to life. Hear from artists across disciplines, like actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, singer-songwriter Jewel, author Min Jin Lee, and more on our podcast "American Masters: Creative Spark."Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship- [Orozco] Over the next decade Orozco paints Mexico's greatest public walls and tackles its most revered institutions.
His mural of Padre Hidalgo, the George Washington of Mexican Independence, depicts a fiery prophet brandishing a sword, purifying the world with bloodshed.
(eerie music) (music tempo increases) - Orozco is difficult and he refuses to make things look pretty.
They're angles, they're all angles and sharp, they're like daggers.
Everything comes to a point like a blade.
You know, he's slashing and Orozco refuses to let you relax and, you know, he's always sticking it to you.
He's not telling you he has a formula, that is the answer.
And he certainly mistrusts anyone else who says they do have the answer.
José Clemente Orozco: Man of Fire
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Mexican muralist José Clemente Orozco led a life filled with drama, adversity & triumph. (40s)
Orozco’s paintings were destroyed by U.S. customs agents
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José Clemente Orozco left Mexico to seek artistic freedom in the United States. (1m 19s)
The spark that ignited Orozco’s interest in art making
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A young José Clemente Orozco was influenced by artist José Guadalupe Posada. (1m 25s)
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...