Untitled 

This untitled work was made with an unknown medium by Arturo Rivera, a Mexican artist who died in 2020. The image presents a skull, a potent symbol within Mexican culture, particularly during the Day of the Dead celebrations. Rivera renders this symbol in a raw, almost brutal style that breaks with celebratory norms. The exposed bone and gritted teeth evoke the violence and precarity of life in Mexico during the late 20th century, a period marked by economic instability and social unrest. By stripping away the sugar coating of folk tradition, Rivera highlights the uncomfortable realities of mortality and decay, inviting a deeper contemplation of the social conditions that shape human existence. To better understand Rivera's work, one might consult historical archives, sociological studies of Mexican society, and art criticism that addresses the socio-political context of Latin American art. In the end, the power of art lies in its ability to reflect and critique the world from which it emerges.