When visiting Mexico City we were determined to find a massive fountain Diego Rivera had designed for Chapultepec Park. The mosaic fountain depicted, appropriately for the city’s water-works, the rain god Tlaloc. Finding this fountain proved to be difficult, we encountered blank stares when we discussed what we thought would be a well-loved emblem of civic pride.
Sadly this great work seems to have been largely forgotten. Time has moved on and much of the elaborate fountain schemes are dry and neglected. Rivera’s work has been restored (click here for info concerning its renovation ) but there is a sense of desolation to the place. That and it was fast approaching dusk, we were lost as hell, in a strange city, in a VAST park without a clue as to how to get back to the b&b-thank the old gods for Google map apps.
But we did return and now safe and sound I have crafted a relief print of the great god, he should be our deity in sun parched Southern California. Happily I have found a small press available for use at the local Art & Craft Museum on Wilshire Blvd.
Blessed Tlaloc
artist’s proof, relief print
I hadn’t realized it at the time but I was influenced by Rivera’s playful interpretation of this most fierce god; a god so relentless for tribute he demanded the blood of tearful toddlers.
Rivera’s take on the god, magnificent image NOT my own but that of National Geographic from the article above.
My own, far lamer images follow:
Intricate aquatic themed mosaic work covers almost every surface.
Difficult to capture from the angle, but a detail of his face.
The back of his head features a different face.
This trip established for me a profound respect for Diego Rivera and his work, I hadn’t much of an opinion before, but the breadth of his work astounds me.
Must get cracking’, I have three canvases in various states of completion.
Until next time, take care,
Lg
Boondocks Babylon 