Dr. Atl

Dr. Atl, whose real name was Gerardo Murillo, was a Mexican painter and muralist. He was born on November 19, 1875, in the small town of Culiacán, Mexico. He was the son of a wealthy merchant and spent his childhood in Mexico City. He began drawing at a young age, and by 16 years old, he was already studying art at the Academy of San Carlos. He later studied in Europe, where he was heavily influenced by the work of the Impressionists and the Symbolists.

Upon his return to Mexico, he became involved in the Mexican muralism movement and worked alongside other prominent Mexican artists such as Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco. Although he was policital like many of his contemporaries, he is known more for his landscapes of Mexico (particularly those featuring explosive volcanos) than he was for images of political propaganda. Much of his work incorporated elements of Mexican folk art and culture, and he often used bright colors and dramatic contrasts to create a sense of movement and energy in his paintings.

Dr. Atl was also a political activist and was involved in various left-wing movements during his lifetime. He was a member of the Mexican Communist Party and was an advocate for the rights of indigenous people and workers. He also wrote several books on art and politics, and was a vocal critic of the Mexican government's treatment of the indigenous population.

Dr. Atl created many public murals throughout his career, including the mural "The March of Humanity" and "The Evolution of the Mexican People" both at the National Preparatory School in Mexico City.

Dr. Atl died on January 14, 1964, in Mexico City.

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