
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.
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Support for American Masters is provided by AARP, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, Burton P. and Judith B. Resnick Foundation, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation,...

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.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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- [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.
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Support for American Masters is provided by AARP, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, Burton P. and Judith B. Resnick Foundation, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation,...
