F23-041, Mexican Modernism and the art of Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo

This class will be an in-depth exploration of the artistic movement that shaped Mexico in the early 20th century: Mexican Modernism. It will focus on the works of the most prominent Mexican Modernist artists such as Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Jose Clemente Orozco, and many others. Students will learn about the cultural and political context in which these artists worked and how they used their art to comment on social issues, indigenous culture, and the Mexican Revolution. Students will study the works of these artists in different mediums such as painting, printmaking, and murals, along with its aesthetic innovations and visual language. Students will also have the opportunity to examine the influence of the Mexican Muralism on the development of public art and the impact of Mexican Modernism in the art world internationally. The class will also consider the unique aspects of Mexican Modernism, such as the artists’ use of native motifs and pre-Columbian art and their engagement with the country’s indigenous peoples and their cultures, as well as their depiction of the social and political issues of their time. Through lectures, discussion, and in-class activities, students will gain a deeper understanding of the art and its role in shaping Mexican culture and identity.
This talk will include details which make a talk interesting – Communism! revolution! scandal! extramarital affairs! – oh, yeah, and art as well.

Presenter: Prof. Jeanette Nicewinter
Dr. Jeanette Nicewinter is a highly accomplished and dedicated art history professor who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her students. She currently serves as an associate professor at Northern Virginia Community College’s Annandale Campus, where she teaches a variety of art-historical subjects. In addition, she also teaches one course per semester at American University, further demonstrating her versatility and ability to connect with students from different backgrounds.

Dr. Nicewinter earned her doctorate in art historical studies from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2016, and since then, she has established herself as an authority in the field of ancient American art. Her area of specialization is the study of ceramics from the northern highlands of present-day Peru, and she has made significant contributions to the field through her research and publications. However, Dr. Nicewinter also frequently identifies as a “generalist” and enjoys teaching a broad spectrum of art-historical topics, which allows her to provide her students with a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

In addition to her teaching and research responsibilities, Dr. Nicewinter has also given presentations for LLI-Manassas during each of the last six semesters, further demonstrating her commitment to sharing her knowledge with a wider audience. She is dedicated to fostering a love of art history in her students and is known for her ability to make complex material accessible to them.

LLI Coordinator: David Pace