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The history of “Hidalgo and National Independence,” one of Orozco’s most iconic paintings

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Orozco painted one of Mexico’s most iconic public murals, which directly confronted revered institutions. His fiery painting of Padre Hidalgo, the “George Washington of Mexican Independence,” depicted the leader as a prophet wielding a sword who was “purifying the world with bloodshed.” The artwork showcases Orozco’s unapologetic style, characterized by sharp angles and uncompromising intensity.

TRANSCRIPT

- [Orozco] Over the next decade Orozco paints Mexico's greatest public walls and tackles its most revered institutions.

His mural of Padre Hidalgo, the George Washington of Mexican Independence, depicts a fiery prophet brandishing a sword, purifying the world with bloodshed.

(eerie music) (music tempo increases) - Orozco is difficult and he refuses to make things look pretty.

They're angles, they're all angles and sharp, they're like daggers.

Everything comes to a point like a blade.

You know, he's slashing and Orozco refuses to let you relax and, you know, he's always sticking it to you.

He's not telling you he has a formula, that is the answer.

And he certainly mistrusts anyone else who says they do have the answer.