Vista panorámica Guanajuato y Michoacán

Juan O'Gorman's work offers some of the most accomplished panoramic views of the Mexican landscape. Though originally trained as an architect, his work conveys a harmonious balance between imaginative elements and a prodigious ability for architectural details. Many of his compositions are in fact so detailed that O'Gorman has at times been associated with Surrealism. It would be a mistake however, to attempt to compartmentalize Juan O'Gorman as a Surrealist artist. Not only did he share the same political agenda as that of his social realist colleagues; he also actively participated in the movement by exhibiting alongside some of Mexico's most recognized artists. Likewise, O'Gorman helped organize the School of Construction where architecture was taught from the practical rather than an aesthetic viewpoint. Though active throughout the 1930's and 1940's, his small easel paintings are relatively rare. Vista panorámica Guanajuato y Michoacán is therefore a wonderful example of this period. The choice of Guanajuato is quite natural for O'Gorman, the city has historical importance in Mexico as a source of rich minerals and silver as well as wonderful Colonial structures. In numerous other works the artist identifies his interest in mining, construction, and farming- the role of man within the landscape and here presents them altogether.