From Library Journal
Long recognized as one of the preeminent painters of Mexico, Rufino Tamayo (1899-1991) stands apart from his contemporaries--Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Jos? Clemente Orozco--by virtue of his rejection of their nationalistic didacticism and his adherence to a vision within the broader currents of an international modernism. Tamayo's evocative imagery and extraordinary painterly refinement are sumptuously evoked in this volume's more than 200 excellent color reproductions. Unfortunately, the eight accompanying essays never rise above the level of the merely adequate. The best of the essays, by editor Conde, director of the Museum of Modern Art, Mexico City, engages in an interesting, if rather impressionistic, "dialog" between the author and earlier writers who have considered the artist's style, artistic relationships, public appreciation, and critical reception. Another useful but also occasionally poetically opaque exploration discusses the artist's stylistic development in light of contemporary currents of Mexican, European, and American art. A sketchy overview of the painter's life, a pedestrian analysis of his thematic preoccupations, and a gathering of unenlightening reminiscences add little to this ultimately unsatisfying effort. Recommended only for large popular art collections where there is an interest in Tamayo.-Robert Cahn, Fashion Inst. of Technology, New York Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book Description
"Inspired by folk, pre-Columbian, and Cubist art, Mexican painter Rufino Tamayo (1899-1991) illuminates the beauty and mystery of his homeland with a vibrant palette and an extraordinary imagination in this stunning monograph. Unlike the clearly nationalistic paintings by contemporaries such as Diego Rivera, Jos Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros, Tamayo's art encompasses mythical beasts, tropical fruits, Mexican folklore, and the whole of the human experience. The influence of his three homes -- Mexico, Paris, and New York -- is evident in his luminous color, sophisticated compositions, and inventive exploration of Mexican identity. However, Tamayo did not become extremely well known in the United States until after an exhibition of his work at the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., in 1978, followed by a major retrospective at the Guggenheim Museum in 1979. The popularity of Mexican art has grown enormously in the last decade; Tamayo's work has commanded impressive prices at auction and is now in a number of important international collections, including those of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Lavishly illustrated with more than 230 images, including oil paintings, drawings, personal photographs, and other memorabilia, Tamayo explores the myths, legends, and dreams of one of Mexico's most revered artists. More than 230 illustrations and photographs"

About the Author
"The director of the Museum of Modern Art in Mexico City, Teresa del Conde is the editor of the book and contributes two essays. Rafael Tovar, Gerardo Estrada, Fernando del Paso, Xavier Moyssn, Juan Coronel Rivera, Ingrid Suckaer, and Robert Valerio also contribute essays."

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Illustrated with more than 230 images, including oil paintings, drawings, personal photographs, and other memorabilia, Tamayo explores the myths, legends, and dreams of one of Mexico's most revered artists.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal