[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 24 (Thursday, March 7, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E301]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING MEXICAN PAINTER RAUL ANGUIANO

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                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 7, 2002

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 87th birthday of 
Maestro Raul Anguiano, a prolific Mexican painter and muralist whose 
career has spanned 68 years.
  Born in 1915 in Guadalajara, Mexico, Mr. Anguiano began studying 
painting at an early age. In 1934, he moved to Mexico City to begin his 
artistic career as a muralist and instructor. He quickly became part of 
the second generation of 20th century Mexican muralists known as the 
Mexican School of Painting, which attempted to make art accessible to 
the people and depict their reality.
  Mr. Anguiano's murals portray the true heart of Mexico by depicting 
the indigenous people as well as the workers of the country. His murals 
can be found throughout North and South America and Europe, and one 
entitled ``Crucifixion'' was recently acquired by the Vatican. He has 
participated in both individual and public exhibitions internationally, 
including in Mexico, the United States, Chile, Germany, Russia, France 
and Cuba.
  His talent led Mr. Anguiano to become not only a celebrated painter 
and muralist but also a literary illustrator and teacher. He has 
illustrated several books and taught at renowned art schools throughout 
Mexico, as well as in France and the United States.
  In 1952, Mr. Anguiano completed one of his most famous paintings 
called ``La Espina'' or ``The Thorn'', which was influenced by his 
travels throughout the Mayan regions of Mexico. The painting portrays a 
woman with Indian features who is working intently to remove a thorn 
from her foot. Although the scene depicted is not extraordinary in and 
of itself, Mr. Anguiano's stunning depiction reveals the importance of 
everyday activities.
  This acclaimed muralist's most recent work is a mural for East Los 
Angeles College, a community college which serves the students of my 
district. This mural has brought international attention to the school 
and the community it serves, and I am grateful for his kind 
contribution.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing this incredible 
Mexican artist.




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