Mural Webquest Questionnaire Guide
A. From the reading on:
- read through the section entitled “Murals and Politics” and stop after you have finished that section.
1. What is a mural?
3. What are the names of “Los Tres Grandes?” List them here:
4. What is the most common form of mural?
5. From where did “Los Tres Grandes” take this art form?
6. How do today’s murals differ from ancient ones?
7. What is the artist’s purpose in choosing the medium of muralism? Is it rebellious to paint a mural? Why or why not?
8. List some U.S. cities that the article mentions where murals are found:
B. From the reading on -
Click on the photo gallery at the top of this article. Look closely at the details of each mural. Write down the title and artist for each one.
Now read the article and answer the following questions:
9. What school did all three muralists attend?
10. What did Siqueiros do that the other two artists did not that inspired much of his art and messages?
11. The article states “Though different in style and temperament, all three believed, as did many other artists of their time, that art is for the education and betterment of the people, not an abstract concept or vehicle for exploring whims.” What did Rivera, Siqueiros, and Orozco believe to be the purpose of art? How do you think this differed from its purpose before they took a different approach?
12. What did “Los Tres Grandes” form that helped them to maintain their rights as artists and as citizens at the time?
13. Out of all three muralists (and according to the author of this article), who was the most innovative? Why?
14. Although painting murals was a collective effort, each of “Los Tres Grandes” had their own signature style. Use this chart below to take notes on the styles of each artist:
Rivera:Siqueiros:
Orozco:
15. The end of the article mentions the artists’ take on the medium of murals. What do “Los Tres Grandes” believe to be the “power of the mural?”
C. Murals – an academic explanation. After viewing the following You Tube video, answer the following questions:
16. The narrator describes the “disenchantment with American commercialism” and working class feelings of “alienation and isolation” that was experienced as “symptomatic of the modern.” This experience is described as “a kind of marveling at new technology while mourning the loss of what has been replaced…” as we are “endlessly engaged in inauthentic, mediated experience as we are surrounded by communication technologies and commoditized culture.” So then, what are we missing out on in society despite the advanced technology we enjoy? Further, what are the negative affects of commercialism, industry, and technology? What gets lost in a society who replaces the traditional with the modern?
17. In his mural Tropical America, Siqueiros depicts a crucifixion. Who or what is being crucified here? Does his piece communicate exactly what the government had hoped it to? What is the artists’ message here?
18. Diego Rivera employs the theme of the struggle of whom in his murals?
D. Afterthoughts and brainstorming.
19. What are your thoughts on the art form of murals? Do you think they are an effective way of reaching the masses? What is ironic about painting murals in government establishments? Can you think of ways that artists of any kind in today’s society reach the masses? How can they accomplish a universal message? What issues matter to you? If you could reach the masses, what message would you send?