Mexican graphic art / Milena Oehy ; edited by Zürcher Kunstgesellschaft/Kunsthaus Zürich ; translations: Lisa Rosenblatt.

"This publication presents the comprehensive collection of Mexican graphic art gifted to the Zürcher Kunstgesellschaft by Armin Haab and is published to coincide with the exhibition Mexican Graphic Art, Kunsthaus Zürich, May 19-August 27, 2017. The exhibition presents a selection of the works in this book."--Colophon.

Includes bibliographical references.

-- Foreword / by Christoph Becker -- 1949-two months and 12,000 images: Armin Haab sees Mexico -- Biography Armin Haab -- The history of Mexico and of Mexican graphic art -- The beginnings of graphic art on the American continent -- An introduction to Mexican graphic art -- The revolution and its consequences -- Appendix -- Work commentary.

"This new book, published to coincide with an exhibition at Kunsthaus Zurich in summer 2017 offers an overview of the development of Mexican graphic art between the late 19th-century and the 1970s, ranging from figurativism to early abstract works. It features around 50 key works on paper, printed using a range of techniques, that deal with issues such as poverty and wealth, love and cruelty, and the poetry and hardships of everyday life. In addition to prints by Jose Guadalupe Posada, there are characteristic Realist works by Leopoldo Mendez, Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros as well as abstracts by Rufino Tamayo and Francisco Toledo. Revolutionary ideas and engagement with socio-cultural and socio-political concerns play a key role in the history of Mexican art. The members of Taller de Grafica Popular, a people's graphic art workshop established in 1937 by a collective of international artists in Mexico, produced flyers and posters for the masses supporting trade unions, popular education and socialist issues in the country. Their editions exemplify the typical Mexican tradition of black-and-white woodcuts and linoleum prints. The images depict Mexican life and the customs and characteristics of its indigenous populations, but also include the country's first forays into abstract art. The images are complemented by an introductory essay and brief texts on the artists and featured works. The Mexican Graphic Art exhibition runs from 19 May to 27 August 2017, Kunsthaus Zurich."--Provided by publisher.