Isidoro Ocampo
(1910-1983)
"Autoretrato," 1929
Etching on laid paper
Edition: 2/10
Signed, titled, dated, and numbered in pencil in the lower margin: I. Ocampo
Plate: 10.125" H x 8.5" W; Sheet" 12.125" H x 10" W
Provenance: The Collection of Frederick W. Davis
Private Collection, Southern California, by descent from the above

Other Notes: Isidoro Ocampo Vidal, a luminary of Mexican art born on June 20, 1910, in Veracruz, epitomized the essence of the Mexican Muralism era. His artistic prowess predominantly thrived in the realm of graphic arts, crafting a legacy steeped in social commentary and expressive storytelling.

From an early age, Ocampo's innate talent for drawing burgeoned, despite familial pressures nudging him towards commerce. His defiance led him to the Academy of San Carlos, where he honed his skills in engraving, printmaking, and lithography under the tutelage of eminent mentors like Francisco Diaz de Leon and Carlos Alvarado Lang.

Ocampo's dedication to teaching paralleled his artistic journey, consuming thirty-two years of his life as an educator in various art schools and programs sponsored by the Secretaria de Educacion P?blica. His devotion to nurturing burgeoning artists took precedence, often tempering his own artistic output.

As a trailblazer and collaborator, Ocampo's graphic oeuvre found resonance in collective endeavors. His involvement in the Taller de Grafica Popular (TGP) and the Liga de Escritores y Artistas Revolucionarios (LEAR) showcased his commitment to social and political causes. Though not overtly aligned with communism, his work within these groups championed themes of societal inequality and the plight of the marginalized.

Throughout his illustrious career, Ocampo's exhibitions spanned continents, from the Americas to Europe, leaving an indelible mark on the global art landscape. His evocative prints, reminiscent of luminaries like Jose Guadalupe Posada and Jose Clemente Orozco, resonated with themes of struggle, injustice, and the vibrant tapestry of urban life.

In his artistry, Ocampo fervently believed in the transformative power of art as a vehicle for social change, advocating for the underprivileged and leveraging his creations to spotlight issues of poverty and fascism.

Isidoro Ocampo's passing in Mexico City on February 4, 1983, marked the end of a chapter in Mexican art history. His legacy endures through the vivid imagery that continues to serve as a testament to his unwavering dedication to art as a catalyst for societal transformation.

Overall good condition. The full sheet with deckled edges. Soft and scattered handling creases in the outer margin edges. A very small tear in the lower portion of the extreme right margin edge. The sheet is loose, not matted.

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