Cold War Interpretations of Olmec Art in the 1960s Examined
During the early 1960s, the interpretation of Olmec art in the United States was influenced by discussions surrounding race, archaeology, and art history. The article by Luis M. Castañeda, published on February 5, 2015, examines George Kubler's changing views on monumental Olmec art, set against the backdrop of violent modernization in Veracruz and Tabasco, the heart of Olmec civilization. It also emphasizes the politicized presentation of this artistic heritage in museums and traveling exhibitions. These events unfolded amid a period of diplomatic instability between the U.S. and Mexico. Access to the content is available exclusively through MIT Press via subscription.
Key facts
- Article examines interpretations of Olmec art from the early 1960s
- Focuses on racial, archaeological, and art historical debates
- George Kubler's shifting approaches to Olmec art are discussed
- Context includes violent modernization in Veracruz and Tabasco
- Politicized display of Olmec art in museums and exhibitions is analyzed
- Set against unstable U.S.-Mexico diplomatic relations in the period
- Published on February 5, 2015 by Luis M. Castañeda
- Content available via MIT Press subscription
Entities
Artists
- George Kubler
- Luis M. Castañeda
Institutions
- MIT Press
- ARTMargins Online
Locations
- United States
- Mexico
- Veracruz
- Tabasco