Rufino Tamayo

Rufino Tamayo (Rufino del Carmen Arellanes Tamayo; 1899 – 1991) was a distinguished Mexican-Zapotec painter and printmaker who played a pivotal role in defining Mexican Modernism. His art is celebrated for its incorporation of vibrant colours and innovative use of textures, blending modern European artistic techniques with Mexican folk themes. Tamayo’s style, which includes elements of figurative abstraction with Surrealism influences, often explores themes rooted in Mexican culture and mythology, reflecting his deep connection to his indigenous Zapotec heritage. Throughout his career, he developed a unique visual language by utilising a variety of techniques, including woodcuts, lithographs, etchings, and his innovative "Mixografia" prints, which allowed for textured, three-dimensional prints. His work not only showcases a fusion of traditional Mexican motifs with modernist aesthetics but also contributes significantly to the global appreciation of Mexican art.