Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

A review in which Edward Lucie-Smith discusses major subjects and issues such as Magic Realism, Expressionism and other concepts shared with Latin American literature; the great muralists Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros and Jose Clemente Orozc; the interaction of politics, society and art; the continuing interest in folk art; and the dialogue between avant-garde European and North American movements and indigenist thinking in the styles of artists such as Wifredo Lam, Rufino Tamayo and Frida Kahlo.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Introduction (p. 7)
• Chapter 1 Forerunners and Independents (p. 21)
• Chapter 2 The First Modern Movements (p. 37)
• Chapter 3 Mexican Muralism (p. 49)
• Chapter 4 Muralism Beyond Mexico (p. 69)
• Chapter 5 The Exiles (p. 79)
• Chapter 6 Mexico: Four Women and One Man (p. 96)
• Chapter 7 A Climate of Change (p. 110)
• Chapter 8 Geometric Abstraction (p. 121)
• Chapter 9 Informal Abstraction (p. 144)
• Chapter 10 Expressionist Tendencies (p. 152)
• Chapter 11 Realism, Pop Art and Surrealism (p. 165)
• Chapter 12 The Present Day (p. 187)
• Select Bibliography (p. 216)
• List of Illustrations (p. 218)
• Index (p. 222)

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

Since Columbus, each Latin American nation has mixed its native soil with outside influences and from this sculpted a vital corpus, with which few outsiders are well aquainted. To remedy this, well-known art historian Lucie-Smith manages to cover the last century or so of all Latin American art. Considering all that time and territory, he does a fairly good job. Familiar ``isms'' from Europe and the United States frequently acted only as catalysts for uniquely Latin American manifestations. For instance, Argentine Constructivism is distinct from Russian Constructivism. Readers are likely to find refreshing illustrations and discover many artists for the first time. Informative yet concise, this decent sampler fills a gap.-- Susan M. Olcott, Columbus Metropolitan Lib., Ohio (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

CHOICE Review

A study of such a complex subject as recent Latin American art merits attention in these days of "Fridamania" and best-selling writers. Yet, there are few precursors to this comprehensive, richly illustrated survey. Lucie-Smith accomplishes the nearly impossible task of synthesizing the development of the visual arts in Latin American countries, by chronology, movement, and region, without sacrificing depth. The well-chosen illustrations allow first-time readers as well as more seasoned ones entry into a committed and intense art world that, perhaps more deeply than others, has experienced constant struggles between universality and nationalism. Giving their due to the "superstars" (e.g., the Mexican muralists), Lucie-Smith brings to life the work of many lesser-known artists from throughout the continent, making it clear that fame and talent are not necessarily related. The all-inclusive approach highlights diversity by gender, ethnicity, politics, and socioeconomic status. The interwoven connections with artistic and literary world movements provide a starting point for more in-depth study of individuals and their societies, although the absence of annotations poses a major problem. Given its usefulness, it is unforgivable that the edition contains so many misspellings and inaccuracies. S. T. Clark; California State University, San Marcos