TAMAYO exibition response

On Tamayo

I've never been a huge fan of cubist or indigenous art. Although I am intrigued by both- especially indigenous work because it is such a representation of a society's culture and history- yet neither would be the first things I'd want to see upon walking into a museum. Until more recently I've mostly been a fan of "realistic", and impressionist artwork.

So it's not surprising that at first I was not a huge fan of Tamayo's work. But the longer I looked- the more I liked it. Tamayo does not focus on picture perfect detail or shading techniques- characteristics which are more valued in tradition Western artwork. Instead he uses texture, line shape and color to convey emotion. For me it was the colors that sold me; the colors are so vibrant and powerful that it seems impossible to be unmoved by them. Also, I truly admire Tamayo's use of line and shapes. He can use his monotone shapes to create an array of serene watermelons (Sandías), or the twisted face of someone about to devour one (Comedor de Sandía).

Rufino Tamayo's work is a combination of the Euro cubist movement and indigenous artwork; it is a visual blending of cultures. His passionate images transcend language barriers. And when given a chance, it may open our minds to another peoples culture.

Alex Sizemore- Smale