biography
early life
José Clemente Orozco was a famous Mexican painter most famous for his audacious murals. He was born on November 23, 1883 in Zapotlán el Grande. Orozco was born into a middle class family, but lived most of his life in poverty. When he was very young, an explosion took his left hand, but this did not stop Orozco from becoming one of the greatest muralists of all time. He left elementary school knowing that he wanted to study art, and decided to attend the He eventually married and had three children.
Later Life
In 1917, Orozco left Mexico and moved to the United States, fleeing the criticisms he received for some of his paintings. He later returned to Mexico when the president of Mexico, Álvaro Obregón, commissioned him to work with Diego Rivera on murals on the walls of the National Preparatory Academy in Mexico City.
INSPIRATIONS
Orozco’s art was largely influenced by symbolism and human suffering, but was particularly fascinated by machines. He was first inspired on his walks to and from school as a boy, when he spent a few minutes every day watching José Guadalupe Posada, an illustrator who engraved satirical carvings about Mexican culture. Posada’s shop was right on the way to school, and Orozco claims this is where he obtained inspiration for his use of color.
Orozco grew up among the carnage of the Mexican Revolution, and his observations of the hardships of this time permeate his artistry. Many of his works challenge social norms and establishment.
