Julio Castellanos facts for kids

Julio Castellanos González (born October 3, 1905, in Mexico City – died July 16, 1947, in Mexico City) was a talented Mexican artist. He was known for his paintings and engravings.

A Look at Julio Castellanos' Life

Julio Castellanos began his art studies in 1918. He attended the National School of Fine Arts in Mexico City. There, he learned from famous teachers like Saturnino Herrán. He also studied alongside other artists who would become well-known, such as Rufino Tamayo.

Early Career and Travels

Later, Julio went to the United States to study engraving. Engraving is a way of making prints by carving designs into a surface. In the U.S., he met Manuel Rodríguez Lozano, another artist who greatly influenced his work.

When he returned to Mexico, Julio joined "open-air painting schools." These were places where artists painted outdoors, learning from nature. He also studied drawing with Adolfo Best Maugard.

In 1925, Julio had his first art show in Buenos Aires, Argentina. After that, he moved to Paris, France. He wanted to learn more about European art styles.

Murals and Recognition

When Julio came back to Mexico, he joined an art group called Teatro Ulises. He also showed six paintings in an exhibition by Los Contemporáneos. These new paintings were very different from his earlier works.

In 1933, Julio painted his first two complete murals. Murals are large paintings done directly on walls. He created them at the Escuela Melchor Ocampo in Coyoacán. He also started another mural called "El ojo enfermo" (The Injured Eye).

In 1946, Julio Castellanos received an award from the Secretaría de Educación Pública. He shared this honor with the famous artist Frida Kahlo. That same year, his wife, Zita Basich Leija, gave birth to their son, Antonio Castellanos. Antonio later became a notable sculptor.

Exhibitions and Legacy

Julio Castellanos showed his artwork in many places. He had exhibitions in Buenos Aires, Paris, and New York City. He also took part in several group shows in Mexico and the United States.

Julio became the director of the department of plastic and fine arts. He sadly passed away shortly after taking on this important role.

Famous Works by Julio Castellanos

Here are some of Julio Castellanos' well-known artworks:

• "La cirugía casera" (Home Surgery), 1932
• "El baño de san Juan" (The Bath of Saint John), 1939
• Self-portrait, 1947
• "El día de San Juan" (Saint John's Day)
• "El Bohío Maya" (The Mayan Hut)

See also

In Spanish: Julio Castellanos para niños