Self-Portrait

1947

The exhibition “70 Recent Works” in Mexico City

In 1947 the exhibition “70 Recent Works from David Alfaro Siqueiros” was held at the Museo Nacional de Artes Plásticas in Mexico City.

1948

A mural-painting course in San Miguel de Allende

In 1948 Siqueiros was invited to teach a course on mural painting at an art academy in San Miguel de Allende; although he was barred from the United States, most of his students were American GIs who were being paid to study. The planned mural recognising the legacy of Ignacio Allende was never completed because of legal proceedings against the owner of the academy; from this experience he later wrote the book Cómo se pinta un mural.

1950

Mexico’s first contingent at the Venice Biennale

At the XXV Venice Biennale of 1950 Siqueiros took part in the first-ever Mexican contingent, with Orozco, Rivera and Tamayo, and received the second prize among all exhibitors, which recognised the international status of Mexican art.