Alfredo Zalce

Alfredo Zalce Torres (12 January 1908 – 19 January 2003) was a Mexican artist and contemporary of Diego Rivera, David Siqueiros and other better-known muralists. He worked principally as a painter, sculptor, and engraver, also taught, and was involved in the foundation of a number of institutions of culture and education. He is perhaps best known for his mural painting, typically imbued with "fervent social criticism". He is acclaimed as the first artist to borrow the traditional material of coloured cement as the medium for a "modern work of art". Publicity-shy, he is said to have turned down Mexico's Premio Nacional de Ciencias y Artes before finally accepting it in 2001. Before his death, Sotheby's described him as "the most important living Mexican artist up to date".

Early life A number of episodes from his childhood have been used to cast light on his future artistic career. Born in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán in 1908, as an infant he lived in Tacubaya during the Mexican Revolution; his school was near where the rival forces of Victoriano Huerta and Emiliano Zapata met in battle. One day he saw a dead body; he says that instead of fear his attitude was that of contemplation. According to a friend and prominent collector of his works, the young Alfredo began to draw aged six or seven, but chose to do so upon the linoleum floor of his home; nevertheless both his parents praised him. Picture of the ceiling and front facing wall of the mural by Alfredo Zalce titled "Importancia de Hidalgo en la Independencia" in the Palacio de Gobierno de Michoacán. He staged his first public exhibition at the José Guadalupe Posada Gallery in Mexico City in 1932. He also contributed woodcuts to Cantos Indígenos de México, a selection of indigenous Mexican songs including those of the Nahua and a Yaqui deer dance, compiled by folklorist Concha Michel.

Zalce declined the Premio Nacional de Ciencias y Artes twice before ultimately accepting it in 2001. Other awards bestowed upon him include the Generalísimo Morelos Prize in 1969 from the city of Morelia and the Vasco de Quiroga Prize in 1985 from Pátzcuaro. The ability to draw was for him fundamental for any aspiring fine artist.

Personal life and death He had many "loving lady admirers".

Upon his death aged 95 in 2003, he was cremated at the Panteón Jardínes del Tiempo in Morelia.