Artist: Rufino Tamayo
Title: Guerrero de Nayarit
Year: 1973
Medium: Lithograph with Hand Painted Watercolor
Edition: 48/100
Inscription: Signed and numbered on bottom front, blind stamp lower right
Paper Size: 28.75" x 20.25"
Frame Size: 34.25" x 28.75"
Printer: Kyron Ediciones Gráficas Limitadas
Documentation: Includes gallery certificate of authenticity
Rufino Tamayo's Guerrero de Nayarit (1973) is a striking lithograph with hand-painted watercolor, blending his mastery of printmaking with expressive, painterly detail. Part of a limited edition of 100, this work is signed and numbered by the artist and bears the blind stamp of Kyron Ediciones Gráficas Limitadas, the distinguished Mexican print studio.
The composition features a bold, abstracted outline of a figure set against a textured black and charcoal wash background. The figure's presence is both powerful and enigmatic, evoking the spirit of a warrior from the ancient Nayarit culture. Tamayo's signature use of earthy tones is punctuated by a vibrant coral hue, which introduces an element of warmth and energy, creating a dynamic contrast within the piece.
Measuring 28.75" x 20.25", Guerrero de Nayarit exemplifies Tamayo's ability to merge traditional Mexican influences with modernist abstraction. His use of lithography combined with hand-applied watercolor gives the work a unique, tactile quality, further emphasizing the artist's fascination with texture and form. Accompanied by a gallery certificate of authenticity, this exceptional piece showcases Tamayo's enduring ability to balance color, composition, and cultural symbolism.
Rufino Tamayo: A Visionary of Mexican Modernism
Rufino Tamayo (1899–1991) was a pioneering Mexican painter and printmaker whose work blended indigenous Mexican traditions with modernist influences. Celebrated for his bold use of color and texture, Tamayo developed a unique artistic voice that set him apart from the dominant Mexican muralist movement of his time. His work, which spanned painting, sculpture, and printmaking, remains highly influential in both Mexican and global art history.
Early Life and Education
Born on August 25, 1899, in Oaxaca, Mexico, Tamayo was deeply influenced by the indigenous culture and vibrant folk art of his hometown. After the death of his parents, he moved to Mexico City, where he studied at the Escuela Nacional de Artes Plásticas (Academy of Fine Arts). During this period, he was exposed to European modernist movements such as Cubism, Fauvism, and Surrealism, which would later shape his artistic approach.
Artistic Development and Style
Unlike his contemporaries Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros—who were known for their politically charged murals—Tamayo focused on personal expression rather than social commentary. His work often depicted themes of Mexican identity, mythology, and the human condition, but with a universal and timeless perspective.
Tamayo's style is characterized by rich color palettes, simplified forms, and dynamic compositions. He was particularly interested in the expressive qualities of texture, which led him to experiment with different materials and techniques. One of his most significant contributions was the development of Mixografía, a printmaking technique that allowed for three-dimensional texture in works on paper.
International Success
In the 1920s and 1930s, Tamayo gained recognition in Mexico, but he also spent significant time in New York and Paris, where he was influenced by European avant-garde artists such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. His international exposure helped him cultivate a distinctive modernist aesthetic that bridged Mexican heritage with contemporary artistic trends.
Tamayo's work was exhibited in major museums and galleries worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Louvre. His paintings and prints remain highly sought after, with works like Animals (1941) and Women of Tehuantepec (1939) exemplifying his vibrant, textured style.
Legacy and Influence
In 1974, Tamayo and his wife, Olga, established the Museo Rufino Tamayo in Mexico City, which houses an extensive collection of his work as well as pieces from international modern artists. His contributions to Mexican and global art were recognized with numerous awards, and his influence continues to be felt in contemporary art circles.
Rufino Tamayo passed away on June 24, 1991, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, color, and cultural synthesis. His ability to merge tradition with modernity ensured his place as one of the most significant artists of the 20th century.