Pablo O'Higgins facts for kids

Pablo Esteban O'Higgins was a talented artist, muralist, and illustrator. He was born as Paul Higgins Stevenson in the United States on March 1, 1904. Later, he moved to Mexico and became a Mexican citizen. He was known for painting large murals, which are huge paintings on walls. He passed away on July 16, 1983.

Drawing of a mother and child by Pablo O'Higgins

Early Life and Art Training

Pablo O'Higgins was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. He spent his childhood there and in San Diego, California. At first, he wanted to be a pianist. However, in 1922, he decided to follow his passion for art. He enrolled at the Academy of Arts in San Diego to study painting.

Just two years later, he became a student of the very famous Mexican artist, Diego Rivera. Pablo helped Diego Rivera paint amazing murals. These large wall paintings were in places like the National School of Agriculture in Chapingo. He also worked on murals at the Public Education Secretariat in Mexico.

Moving to Mexico and Painting Murals

In 1924, Pablo O'Higgins moved to Mexico for good. Like his teacher Diego Rivera, Pablo became involved in politics. He joined a political group called the Mexican Communist Party in 1927. He stayed a member of this group for many years.

His political drawings for a newspaper called Daily Worker were very good. Because of his talent, he won a special scholarship in 1933. This allowed him to study art for a year at the Academy of Art in Moscow, Russia.

Creating the People's Graphic Workshop

In 1937, Pablo O'Higgins helped start an important art group. He co-founded the Taller de Gráfica Popular, which means "People's Graphic Workshop." He started it with two other artists, Leopoldo Méndez and Luis Arenal.

This workshop became a big inspiration for many artists. It especially helped those who wanted to use their art to share political messages. For example, an American painter named Byron Randall later started similar art groups.

Important Exhibitions and Citizenship

In May 1940, Pablo O'Higgins had a special honor. His artwork was chosen for a major art show called "Twenty Centuries of Mexican Art." This exhibition was organized by the Museum of Modern Art. He was the only artist in the show who was not originally from Mexico.

In 1961, Mexico gave Pablo O'Higgins honorary Mexican citizenship. This was to thank him for his important contributions to Mexican art and education.

Famous Murals

Pablo O'Higgins created many impressive murals. One of his murals can be seen at the Abelardo L. Rodriguez Market, Mexico City.

Another famous mural he painted is in Seattle. It was originally made in 1945 for the Ship Scalers Union Hall. Today, you can see this mural at Kane Hall at the University of Washington. This mural tells the story of the Ship Scalers Union. It shows how the union worked hard to fight against racism and unfair treatment. It also shows their efforts to bring about positive social changes.

Pablo O'Higgins also taught art to others. Some of his students became famous artists themselves. These included the American graphic designer Bob Cato and the artist and muralist Marion Greenwood.

Drawing of a man carrying agave leaves by Pablo O'Higgins

See also

In Spanish: Pablo O'Higgins para niños