Chávez Morado, José 1909-2002

José Chávez Morado (1909 - 2002) was a prolific artist who has contributed greatly to the genre of Mexican muralism. He has incorporated elements of both popular and pre-Hispanic culture into his work, contextualizing them in eloquent and powerful ways, as is the case with his piece entitled "Tzompantle." He presents themes of death and old mythical figures of pre-Hispanic culture in an urban setting.

José Chávez Morado was a member of the League of Writers and Revolutionary Artists as well as the founder of the Taller de Gráfica Popular. He also participated in the founding of the Salón de Plástica Mexicana. In the larger scope, Chávez Morado is appreciated for his estheticism and respected for his ideological principles without compromise. He is considered a solid artist that represents an important facet of Mexican art. It is worth noting that José Chávez Morado also directed the Alhóndiga de Granaditas Museum, and in doing so helped to develop an important collection of works from archaeology, history, artisanry, photography, drawing, and sculpture. Without a doubt, he has contributed to the richness of culture of the Mexican state of Guanajuato.

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