Orozco’s paintings were destroyed by U.S. customs agents
Clip: 10/7/2023 | 1m 19sVideo has Closed Captions
José Clemente Orozco left Mexico to seek artistic freedom in the United States.
In 1917, José Clemente Orozco left Mexico to find a better place to make art in the United States. Along the way, Orozco was detained in Laredo, Texas, where officials took issue with many of his paintings and deemed them “immoral.”
Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...
Orozco’s paintings were destroyed by U.S. customs agents
Clip: 10/7/2023 | 1m 19sVideo has Closed Captions
In 1917, José Clemente Orozco left Mexico to find a better place to make art in the United States. Along the way, Orozco was detained in Laredo, Texas, where officials took issue with many of his paintings and deemed them “immoral.”
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship- [Orozco] In 1917, finding the atmosphere in Mexico unfavorable to art, and wishing to know the United States, I resolved to go north.
I made a bundle of the paintings that were left in my studio, and set out.
(music) In Laredo, Texas, I was detained in the customs, and my baggage was inspected.
My pictures were scattered all over the office and examined in detail by the customs officials.
After this, over 60 of them were set aside and destroyed.
I was left to believe that it was against the law to bring immoral drawings into the United States, or that they already had enough of their own.
At first, I was too dumbfounded to make a sound, but when I did protest furiously, it did no good.
I sadly continued on my way to San Francisco.
The history behind one of Orozco’s most iconic paintings
Video has Closed Captions
“Hidalgo and National Independence" showcases Orozco's artistic intensity. (1m 50s)
José Clemente Orozco: Man of Fire
Video has Closed Captions
Mexican muralist José Clemente Orozco led a life filled with drama, adversity & triumph. (40s)
The spark that ignited Orozco’s interest in art making
Video has Closed Captions
A young José Clemente Orozco was influenced by artist José Guadalupe Posada. (1m 25s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...