The emergence and evolution of modern painting in Costa Rica, 1945--1980

This dissertation offers proof of a Eurocentric Modern Art Movement in painting in Costa Rica from 1945 to 1980. The topic was chosen to provide information in English about Costa Rican Modern Painting. Moreover, the researcher has a personal interest in Costa Rica, its people, and its art.; The nature of this study necessitated two forms of research: historical and documentary. In a brief historical account of Costa Rican an during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the research includes reference to governmental support, cultural and economic factors, and for the artists, increasing opportunities for international contacts. Research shows that certain artists emerged as leaders in a gradual shift from a purely academic style to one that reflects the modern movements—Expressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, and the varied modes of Abstraction. Their contributions are cited and examples of their paintings are shown.; The focus of this study, 1945–1980, reveals the artists who were important contributors to Modernism in Costa Rica. These painters were united in their purpose to reflect international influence, that of Europe directly, and that of European-trained artists in Latin American countries.; From this group of artists, five were selected for an analysis of their works: Max Jiménez, Teodorico Quirós, Lola Fernández, Rafael Angel García, and Manuel de la Cruz González. Documentary research and criticism of the reproductions of two paintings by each of these artists proves the indebtedness of their works to Modern European movements.