The History of Medicine in Mexico: The People’s Demand for Better Health 1953

Diego Rivera made this mural, "The History of Medicine in Mexico: The People’s Demand for Better Health," in a really interesting way. It’s like he’s building up all these layers and scenes, using color to pull your eye around, from the pre-colonial scenes to the modern day medical interventions. It's painted right on the wall, so the texture is part of the art itself. You can see where he's mixed up the paint, maybe added some grit to it? Everything feels solid, tactile. But look closely at that sun-shaped area at the top right. The way it almost vibrates against the blue sky behind it! The surface is smooth, but the colors create a restless energy. Rivera did so many incredible murals, but what makes this one so compelling is the way it mixes traditional and modern ideas, kinda like what Frida Kahlo was doing at the time, creating a visual language for a new Mexico. Art's always a conversation, right? This piece invites you to think about what's healing and what is hurting in our society.