Born:
December 13, 1886
Diego
was born in Guanajuato, Mexico but spent most of his growing years
in Mexico City. He attended a Fine Arts school for several years until
he was expelled in 1902 for participating in student revolts.
Five
years later Diego held his first art exposition. His art work was
very popular and the government gave Diego a grant to continue his
studies in Spain. Following his extended studies, Diego traveled around
Europe and met many artists who influenced his work. Some of the artists
that influenced Diego were Picasso and Cezanne. He also studied the
work of great Italian artists like Giotta and Michelangelo.
While
Diego spent years studying, traveling, and painting Mexico experienced
a savage revolution that lasted a decade and devastated his homeland.
When the civil wars ended in Mexico Diego was invited to return to
Mexico and became involved in the government mural program. He soon
became a leading political figure, as well as a prolific painter.
He painted 117 fresco paintings that covered 1600 square meters of
wall. People felt his paintings helped give Mexico a new identity
following the years of war.
Learn
more about Diego and view some of his work at the following websites: