"Inspired by folk, pre-Columbian, and Cubist art, Mexican painter Rufino Tamayo (1899-1991) illuminates the beauty and mystery of his homeland with a vibrant palette and an extraordinary imagination in this stunning monograph. Unlike the clearly nationalistic paintings by contemporaries such as Diego Rivera, Jos Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros, Tamayo's art encompasses mythical beasts, tropical fruits, Mexican folklore, and the whole of the human experience. The influence of his three homes -- Mexico, Paris, and New York -- is evident in his luminous color, sophisticated compositions, and inventive exploration of Mexican identity. However, Tamayo did not become extremely well known in the United States until after an exhibition of his work at the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., in 1978, followed by a major retrospective at the Guggenheim Museum in 1979. The popularity of Mexican art has grown enormously in the last decade; Tamayo's work has commanded impressive prices at auction and is now in a number of important international collections, including those of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Lavishly illustrated with more than 230 images, including oil paintings, drawings, personal photographs, and other memorabilia, Tamayo explores the myths, legends, and dreams of one of Mexico's most revered artists. More than 230 illustrations and photographs"