Diego Rivera – Detroit Industry Diego Rivera was born in 1886, in Mexico and at the age of 21,...

Diego Rivera – Detroit Industry

• Diego Rivera was born in 1886, in Mexico and at the age of 21, departed for Europe where he studied painting in Spain and France. In Europe, Rivera was influenced by Picasso's cubism, and Cézanne's post-impressionism.

• In 1921, Rivera returned to Mexico, where he was given a job as part of the new government’s mural program. During his time in Mexico, he became involved in politics and joined the Communist Party, although he was kicked out of the U.S.S.R. because of his anti-Soviet beliefs.

• In 1932, Rivera accepted an invitation from Edsel Ford and the D.I.A., to paint to murals depicting the history of Detroit and the Auto Industry.


• Originally, Rivera was only commissioned two paint two walls, but was so excited after touring the Rouge River Plant, he painted all four walls. The painting was finished after Rivera had been in Detroit for ten months, in 1933.

• Once Rivera was finished, the mural met with much opposition. Religious leaders found the piece offensive, and there were calls to destroy the work. It was called “blasphemy,” “un-American” and “vulgar.” Because of the controversy 10,000 people came to see the mural on a single Sunday and the museum received more information.

• The piece cost between $20,000 - $40,000 in supplies and Rivera believed it to be his best work in the United States.


• The murals were controversial again in the 1950’s during the Red Scare because of Rivera’s politics and a sign was placed calling his politics “detestable” but defending the art itself.

Diego Rivera – Detroit Industry Diego Rivera was born in 1886, in Mexico and at the age of 21,...

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