Essays on Mexican Art

by Octavio Paz, Helen R. Lane (Translator)

Art, philosophy, religion, and the history of the world converge as Paz celebrates the richness of Mexico in these fourteen dazzling essays. “To read [this collection] is to join a passionate guide for a journey through a new world, the world of the beginning” (Los Angeles Times). Sixteen pages of full-color photographs. Translated by Helen Lane.

Genres: Art, Essays, Art History

303 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1993

About the author

Octavio Paz Lozano was a Mexican writer, poet, and diplomat, and the winner of the 1982 Neustadt International Prize for Literature and the 1990 Nobel Prize for Literature ("for impassioned writing with wide horizons, characterized by sensuous intelligence and humanistic integrity.")

Reviews

[CathyD · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, I learned a bit about Mexican artists, but the part that got my attention the most was the amount of travel that took place between France and Mexico and the number of Mexicans that were living in Paris during the same time as say the likes of Mary Cassat. Perhaps this book serves as a reminder that the center of the art universe doesn't have to be Paris. The US and Central and South America are no slouches. Unfortunately though, I did not the writing style of the book. I definately had to work to get through it.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally finished this book! Very scholarly.

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is simply beautiful. Each essay is a gem. Paz writes about Mexican art with such passion and clarity. I especially loved the essay on Hermenegildo Bustos, the self taught village painter, and the way Paz compares his work to ancient Egyptian portraits. Paz also has a poet's eye for detail and a philosopher's mind for big ideas. The writing is elegant and exciting.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

[Tayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

No better book to read by the pool in Mexico than this. The exacting diatribes on the muralists do drag a bit though. But some of the essays in here really do shine, wowsers. Essential reading for any Mexico art enthusiast, or art head in general.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Averaging a 4 star. Paz speaks to and introduced the uninformed to many Mexican painters who are not so we'll known. My favorite chapter was on Rufino Tamayo.