I have always been interested in the history of the world. Having explored some topics on
Latin America within this course, I chose Rivera’s En el Arsenal (year) because it depicts a
key moment in Mexican history, namely the Mexican Revolution.
Mexican art of the 20th century is primarily focusing on the social and political landscapes of
the era, and Rivera the artist is known for his preoccupation with the world of politics. Then
an active member of the Communist Part in Mexico, his artwork En el Arsenal is another
expression of his political beliefs.
The topic of the artwork, as the title and the piece itself suggest, is the Mexican Revolution
that started in 1910 and continued for almost a decade. While central place is occupied by
Frida Kahlo (who later became Rivera’s wife) and revolutionary objects, the only indigenous
elements are the sombrero hats at the background. This is perhaps deliberate, as if to
emphasize the dramatic alienation and massive displacement of the native Mexican
population.