Author: Henry Loarte
I am dedicated to architecture, I consider this art as a form of communication that manages to transcend space and time through details, materials and its nature.
Juan O' Gorman, painter, muralist and architect. His peculiarity and distinctive feature of most notable men is the integration that he knew how to make of his two faculties that in most human beings are completely divided, the one that defines artists and the one that produces scientists.
O'Gorman's role in the development of functionalism in Mexico, and modern architecture, was fundamental. Influenced by Le Corbusier, he built the first rationalist home in Mexico in 1929 and one of the first in Latin America. Although he had shown a gift for drawing and painting since childhood, he did not return to this hobby towards the end of his life. This visionary artist, with deep love for Mexico, showed the beauty and pride he felt for his country beyond stereotypes.
Juan O'Gorman and Frida Kahlo cultivated a close friendship during their days of study at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Their connection was not only based on a shared passion for art and architecture, but also on a deep mutual understanding. This friendship endured even after Frida met Diego Rivera and they married. When the couple looked to create their homes, they turned to Juan O'Gorman, trusting his unique architectural vision to capture his dreams and personalities in his residences. Thus, the collaboration between these three icons left a lasting mark on the history of art and architecture in Mexico at only 26 years of age.
The architecture of this sometimes somewhat forgotten character is fundamental to the architectural history of Mexico in the 20th century. The radical nature of his positions and the evident contrast between his first and latest works have caused many to consider him as a contradictory and egregious artist. incoherent.
Taking into account the importance that O' Gorman had, not only as a theoretical architect and thinker, it is considered that the vast majority of the changes in O' Gorman's thought were the result of the historical, social and political conditions that Mexico was going through in those times. years.
Although Juan O'Gorman's life came to a tragic end with his decision to take his own life, his legacy endures as a shining light in the firmament of Mexican architecture and art. The circumstances that led him to make that decision are complex and personal, but the most important thing is to remember the profound influence that he left on the world of architecture. His creativity, innovation, and contributions to iconic projects continue to inspire future generations. Beyond his fatal fate, it is his work and his impact on the architectural scene that elevates him to an immortal place in the history of Mexican art.
In summary, it is relevant to keep in mind that O' Gorman always knew how to differentiate functionalist architecture from architecture understood from an aesthetic point of view, being able to develop two very different styles, a product of the reflection of his radical personality, but also the proof that, regardless of what was established or what was correct, he knew how to remain true to himself.