Antonio Ruiz 'El Corcito'

Place: Texcoco

Born: 1892

Death: 1964

Biography:

Antonio Ruiz, also known as 'El Corcito', was a Mexican painter and scenic designer born in Texcoco, Mexico State in 1892. He studied at the Academy of San Carlos and the Escuela Nacional de Pintura, Escultura y Grabado 'La Esmeralda'. His work was exhibited in Mexico and abroad, including cities such as Tokyo and Kurashiki during the Mexican Art Exhibition in 1995 and in Phoenix, Arizona in 1967.

Early Life and Education

Ruiz was born to a physician father and a concert pianist mother. His grandfather was also a painter, which may have influenced his early interest in art. After his parents' death, Ruiz turned to education as his support. He met Mereced Pérez Correa in 1925, and after she returned to Mexico in 1927, he married her and had two daughters: Marcela and Vilma. Ruiz studied architecture and painting at the Academy of San Carlos, now the National School of Arts, at the age of 17 in 1914. He was mainly influenced by Saturnino Herrán and Germán Gedovius, his favorite teachers at the Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes. Later, he drew on inspiration from Flemish artists and Miguel Covarrubias.

Career

Ruiz spent most of his career teaching. From 1921 to 1924, he taught drawing in primary schools in Mexico City. He also worked as a Professor at the School of Engineering and Architecture in Mexico City. In 1942, he began teaching fine arts at Escuela Nacional de Pintura, Escultura y Grabado "La Esmeralda", where he took over as director. Ruiz collaborated with other artists on a publication called Mexican Cultural Weekly. He had many exhibits in the United States, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. His work was also exhibited in Mexico City, Toronto, Quebec, Buenos Aires, and Seville. Some of his notable works include The Orator and The Dream of Malinche, which were showcased during the International Surrealist Exhibition held at the Galería de Arte Mexicano in Mexico City. Critics called his two works "stylistic examples of magical realism".

Legacy

Ruiz's legacy can be seen in his influence on other artists, including Frida Kahlo, Juan O'Gorman, and Miguel Covarrubias. His work is also preserved in the Museum of Finance and Public Credit in the Heritage Collection.

• Notable artists who have been influenced by Ruiz include Frida Kahlo, Juan O'Gorman, and Miguel Covarrubias.
• His work can be found in the Colección Andrés Blaisten (Mexico) and the Museo Nacional de San Carlos, Mexico City.
• Ruiz's style has been described as "magical realism", which is characterized by a blend of realistic and fantastical elements.

For more information on Antonio Ruiz 'El Corcito', visit https://Wikioo.org/@/Antonio-Ruiz-El-Corcito-. His biography can also be found on Academy of San Carlos.