Latin American Art – 1954

On By ResaIn Tributes

Misty Dancers

Held in Brazil, in 1954, almost 2,000 works of art out of 4,000, were from Latin American Countries

Marketgoers From Venezuela

Harmony

As this magazine is 70 years there is a lot of fading & yellowing. I turned up the white & blacks points a bit to get a better look.

Hot Sextet From Havana

Metal Maiden

Tropic of Cancer

The Embrace

Leather Lady

This article is arranged in the same order as in the magazine LIFE May, 1954. The last page is one image.

Chickens

Houses

Three Graces

Procession

Blind Leading Blind

Shanties

Here is the cover of the magazine I found this article in. Following is the intro, which is on page 1. I put this out of order, as I wanted to get right to the art.

Pics from photos in magazine © Resa McConaghy – November 2024

114 thoughts on “Latin American Art – 1954”

    1. Hello Jo!
      At first look, I fell in love with “Chickens”. Then “The Embrace” began to take hold of me.
      U did not like “Misty Dancers” at all, but now I love it.
      That’s the way of art and love, I guess. Sometimes it’s at first sight. Sometimes it grows on us.
      🌹

    1. It is fascinating, and all from 70 years ago. Art has it’s way of being remembered.
      I like “The Marketgoers” a lot, and “Procession”. Fabulous work all around.
      Be well, Martha! xx

  6. What a fabulous exhibition this would have been. Thank you for sharing. I really love all the art here. I keep coming back to The Embrace. I love the color and movement in so many of them–Misty Dancers, Three Graces, The Procession. . .

    1. Merril,

      Agree! Can you imagine 4,000 works of art all in one place at one time? I’d have to hide out in there for a week.

      The Embrace is a wonderful piece. It is one that grew on me quickly. Chickens was my initial fall in love.

      Misty Dancers was like …okay, but. Now, it’s like OKAY!

      The magazine, on its last legs, demanded I record this article. I am so happy you like it! 💙🎨

  8. The Leather Lady from Peru is intriguing; so cool that she’s made from leather; it must’ve taken a lot of skill to create. The Embrace is tender and captivating. Such a joy to be able to share your love of art through your wonderful blog, Resa! Thanks for sharing 💜😃🎨

    1. Agree!

      Leather is not easy to work with, in a sculptural sense.

      Although I have been a vegetarian almost all of my life, I did have some stints with leather in the course of my creative arts and crafts endeavours.

      I was also in Peru many years ago, and I so see it in this piece. The Indio culture is unique.

      Ada, thank you for your warm comment about my love for art, and enjoying it here with me! Warmest regards.

      🎨🤍🕊❦

    1. Thanks, Tim!

      Yeah, the art is wonderful. These pieces were painted 70 years ago, but it could be today. xx

      Most of the dishes done, some comments answered, almost time to start the pies.

    1. Aww, thank you John!

      Taking pics of art is a challenge, wherever it is, and however it is presented. I appreciate your compliment.

      This art is so exciting to me. Lol! I know this is from a magazine article, but I feel like running out into the street and finding more .

      🎨X 🎨X

        1. Lol, that won’t help!
          Sometimes when I take pics of my drawings, it takes me days. In the end I often have to settle for the best of what I’ve managed to capture.

          At least if it’s my art, that I drew or painted, I can use the editing tools to make it better.

          However, when it’s other artists’ work, the point is to capture and present it as pure as possible.
          🎨X 🎨X 🎨X 🎨X

    1. Thahanku!

      I was lured in by art, again. This is pretty great stuff. I find it interesting that Hot Sextet From Havana is pre Castro. xx

    1. Agree, and I too adore The Embrace.
      OMG! If you remember the name of the artist, please send it along!
      I’m always into experiencing work from an artist thatis new to me!

  16. Hi Resa, I absolutely loved your post! I couldn’t agree more that art truly remembers us. It reflects our culture, our thoughts, and our unique perspectives. Our hopes and dreams are intertwined with it, making it such a vital part of who we are. Thank you for sharing these beautiful reflections from the past

    1. Agree, Rebecca,
      This art, from 1954, is remembering its artists, and now we are too.
      What a treat to find this magazine.
      I must say making this post was a lovely experience. It made me think of Marina Kanavaki – “Art towards a happy day!”

    1. Thanks Gi!

      Art is saving me right now. Tomorrow an art walk. Wednesday cats and art.

      Today I made 4 pies. 2 peach, 1 cherry and a big peach & cherry combo pie. I was going to take a pic of that for you, but we started eating it while it was still almost hot. xxxxx

  20. I’m loving the color scheme of this post, though generally I’m more into cooler colors (blues/greens). The Embrace is giving me all the feels, and I love the meticulous details of Procession! Hot Sextet From Havana is beautiful, such a cool image. Fabulous post all around, Resa! 😍

    1. Hello Ruth!

      It is a very warm palette, for sure.

      Although “Misty Dancers” is cool. Yet it still feels warmish.

      I love this art.. well all art, and what a treat to find it in this old magazine.

      The styles of the time are a movement. Art takes us to times and places.

      Okay, lots to do today. Have a great day, and see you (virtually) very soon! ❦🤍🕊

    1. Aladin,
      To me, it was like 10 birthdays of gifts finding this art in an old magazine… a treasure.
      I’m happy you found some enjoyment here.
      xo🕊🤍❦🌹

  22. Thank you for posting such richness of art from Latin America. The headline about “hot colors” is right on. Those reds, oranges, and yellows are bold and wonderful 🌞

    1. Glad you enjoyed this article, Dave.
      What a find! What a show that must have been. 4,000 works of art in 1 place. WOW!

      Thank you so much for checking this out! 🕊🤍

  23. Such a beautiful dive into Latin American art, Resa. I love how all of them are imbued with the rich colors of the landscape, despite how different the pieces are. A rich heritage of artistic styles. Thanks so much for offering this leisurely read. It was a delight.

    1. You are welcome, Diana!
      I adore all of this art…70 years ago.
      There were 4,000 pieces at the exhibit in Brazil. What a fest that must have been.

      I find myself just drowning myself in art since last week.
      John is supposed to be sending me his book to preview before the release.
      A book would be another cool art to drown in. I’ve only got 1 book in my TBR, Rose Shield 2. I’m going to ask him when he’s sending it. If it’s a month away, I’m starting your book.

      Sew, The light that comes into the gown room is fab right now, (when there is sun), the peak of all this goodness is the winter solstice.
      At 80% done, I should be able to take advantage of the beautiful light.

      Sending you much warmth and onehelluva hug!

  24. Resa, you really did amazing work with these photos. That isn’t nearly as easy as you’ve made it look. Well done! This post is a great idea. I enjoyed the art and seeing how it was presented all those decades ago. Hugs.

    1. Thank you Tegan!
      You are right. I took many pics over several days in different light.
      Street art is relatively easy to photograph, but my drawings and art displayed in galleries or even this magazine are a b&%^$.

      Nonetheless, the entire process was a great escape.
      HUGS

  25. Spectacular tour of artwork. The Embrace really caught my attention. And of course, William Holden in all those tear jerker black and white movies from the 50s. 🙂 💜💗🦄 xxx

    1. Now I want to watch Sunset Boulevard!

      Yes,I did my best to bring this art to everyone. It’s fabulous. The Embrace is a beauty!
      xo🤍🕊❦🌹xo

  26. Lovely. 1954? I was not even a year old. Looking back, it seems the world was reasonably at peace. Or not so hatred-ridden…

    Thanks for the art… (Tamayo was a great artist…)

    1. Yes, I’m thrilled a work of Tamayo was featured in that exhibition.

      I think the years post WWII did carry with them a lesson that put hate in its place for awhile.
      Perhaps that lesson began to wear off in the 80’s.

      Hate has always been easy to foster and an easy trap to fall into.

      Back then, 1954, there were just over 2.5 billion people on the planet.
      Early 1970’s warned of over population as 3 billion was approaching.

      Now, closing in on 9 billion, there is just not enough to go around. Hate is on sale, every dog for himself.

      Kindness is at a premium.

      Thank you, Brian!

      1. Thank YOU Resa…
        Indeed, in recent years as I started to organise the family archive, photos and movies, I remembered my parents’ friends, long gone now, who’d all been in the war one way or the other. Many had fought, done their duty, but once the war was over? They turned a page, just intent to live a decent life. In peace…
        Now, indeed, the dogs are out…
        Stay safe.

    1. Hello Robbie,

      You didn’t miss it. It’s my latest post.

      No worries, ever. I’m the most scattered blogger. The US election scattered me more, but I’m calming down.

      The art is fab!

      The arts are our gift! Sending you a BUG HUG!

        1. Yes it did. The real scattering begins in Jan. 2025.
          One day at a time!
          Tess, I was wondering. However, as my full name is Theresa (The Resa …. lol), and Tess is a nickname for Theresa, I just figured, cool, and went with it.
          NO worries! 🌹❦

    1. It’s a really great art movement, but then they all are. One thing leads to another.

      Where would we be without the arts? All of the arts – music – dance – film- photography – drawing – painting – sculpture – poetry – writing – and on and on.

      What would we be?

  29. Love this innovative contemporary Latin art! So vibrant and unique, it definitely takes us back to the ‘50’s in Cuba which is exciting . A wonderful tribute to Latin artists and their creativity. I’m late getting here and so glad I made it. This has to be up there with some of the most beautiful art! Thank you for sharing this dear Meece!
    xoxoxoxoxoxo

    1. Meece,
      I am so happy you got to see this. Finding this was finding a treasure. I love it.
      Can you imagine 4,000 works of art in 1 place in 1 show.
      That was special.
      xoxoxoxoxoxo

  31. I soooo love the bright vivid colors of these works of art, Resa. I thought of you when I was in Florida and went to Wynward (i can’t remember the name). The murals were amazing. I’m going to try to share them soon… maybe.. lol. I’ve been busy💓

    1. Wynwood Walls..I’d love to go there!

      I know you’re busy. You have a beautiful family which takes time, and your wonderful writing.
      Still, I look forward to when you might post them.
      I’m busy too, so If I’m not around when you post the pics, let me know! I don’t want to miss out!
      xo🕊🤍💓

    1. Yes..The Chickens! I was my first visceral fave.
      The magazine is 70 years old, and crumbling. It had to be documented, IMO.
      I’ happy you enjoyed the article, Lauren.
      Thank you for reading!
      🎨💓xoxo

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