Powerful Orozco

IN His BOOK Queer Thing, Painting (p. 286-7), published by Harper Bros., 1938, Walter Pach includes the following comment about Jose Clemente Orozco and his work at Dartmouth:

"The powerful blood and the powerful art of the original Americans dominate in Orozco's painting, and this is what gives the exotic and fascinating note to his superb frescoes at Dartmouth College. That institution did a splendid thing for itself in obtaining them, and in obtaining for its staff and students the presence of the thoughtful and deep man who painted them directly on the walls. Orozco's presence in our country was important to a far wider audience than the one he reached immediately at Dartmouth, whither his frescoes have attracted thousands of visitors—often from the most distant places. And so I think those responsible for his sojourn in that New Hampshire college town are entitled to immense credit for making the venture they did. It is one of the signs of hope for our country when old New England traditions show that they still have the elasticity to adjust themselves to new ideas, as they did long ago when prophets of a wider horizon appeared on their soil.

"Orozco is such a one, whether he has a plan for the future or not. His retelling of old legends is certainly impressive; there are passages of great beauty in his painting, and there is—obviously (too obviously?)—tremendous strength. His gaunt assertion of a native American element in painting (he will tell you that the very methods of his fresco are traditional on our continent) must be a cause for confidence in the New World on the part of those who see Europe as outworn. About that last point Ido not agree at all—to say a word for my own opinion on the question—but I retain a strong admiration for the man who may perhaps be regarded as the clearest demonstration of the Pan-American thesis."