Vive La Revolution

Art inspired by the world’s first socialist revolution will be coming to Newcastle later this month, courtesy of the Revolution on Paper: Mexican Prints 1910-1960 exhibition at the Hatton Gallery at Newcastle University.

The show will focus on Mexican printmaking from the first half of the 20th century, as the country was reeling from civil war and there was the eventual emergence of a strong left-wing government.

There are some of the fantastically colourful and emotional pieces within the exhibition, as art was seen as a vehicle for the values of revolution.

We see the murals that adorned the walls of buildings and the print workshops which produced works for mass distribution and education.

Morada:Prensa The laughter of the public, Jose Chavez Morado

Emily Marsden, curator of Hatton Gallery says, ‘This exhibition contains iconic images from one of the twentieth century’s most vibrant artistic cultures but one which is still relatively unknown outside Mexico.’

Featured within the exhibition is Diego Rivera’s Emiliano Zapata and his horse, which is iconic among  20th century Mexican art.

Diego Riviera Emiliano and his Horse, 1932

Other prints include Rivera’s portrait of Frida Kahlo, Siqueiros’ Dama Negra, Orozco’s The Masses, demonstrating the range and quality of the works.

Aguirre Emliano Zapata

Designs in woodcut or lithography can also be found, along with illustrated books, adding to the whole experience of the show.

There will be a series of events to complement the exhibition, including a day of Mexican-themed fun on 25 July, organised in conjunction with iVamos! Festival, Newcastle’s annual celebration of Latin culture.

Calaveras Symphony Concert by Leopoldo Mendez

Revolution on Paper: Mexican Prints 1910-1960, is at Hatton Gallery, The Quadrangle, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne  NE1, from 23 June – 14 August