Rufino Tamayo Biography and Artwork

Rufino Tamayo, born in Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico in 1899, was a prominent painter, printmaker, and sculptor of Zapotec heritage. Tamayo began his artistic career as a teacher of drawing and physical education before moving to Mexico City in the 1920s to pursue a career in art. Tamayo’s work was influenced by Pre-Columbian art as well as European modernism.

One of Tamayo’s most famous works is the mural he created for the Palacio Nacional de Bellas Artes in Mexico City. Completed in 1951, the mural depicts Mexican history from pre-Hispanic times to the present day. Throughout his career, Tamayo worked with a variety of media, including oil on canvas, lithography, and sculpture.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Tamayo was also involved in cultural organizations throughout his life. He served as director of the Department of Plastic Arts at the National Institute of Fine Arts from 1948 to 1953 and was a founding member of both the Salón de la Plástica Mexicana and the Mexican Society of Graphic Art.

Tamayo’s legacy continues today through exhibitions around the world showcasing his varied body or work which spans over six decades until his death on June 24th 1991 due cancer complications at age 91.

All Rufino Tamayo Artwork on Artchive

Artwork Name Year Medium
America 1955
Children's Games 1959 oil,canvas
Cuerpos celestes 1946
Friend of the Birds 1944
Frutero vacio 1976
Hombre sacando la lengua 1967
La gran galaxia 1978
Moon and Sun 1990
Moon Dog 1973
Mujer en gris 1931
Mujeres en reposo
Ninos 1924
Children Playing with Fire 1947 oil,canvas
The Woman with Red Mask 1940 oil,canvas
Woman with Pineapple 1941
Three People 1970 marble,sand
Watermelons
Watermelons 1977
The Troubadour 1945
Retrato de Olga 1964
Retrato de niños (Pareja de niños) 1966
Animals 1941 Oil on Canvas
Women of Tehuantepec 1939 Oil on Canvas
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