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José Clemente Orozco (1883–1949) was a towering figure in Mexican muralism, a movement that redefined art's role in society during the early 20th century. Born in Ciudad Guzmán, Jalisco, Orozco's early life was marked by an accident that cost him his left hand, an event that profoundly influenced his artistic perspective. He initially studied agricultural engineering before dedicating himself to art at the Academy of San Carlos in Mexico City.

Along with Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros, Orozco is considered one of "Los Tres Grandes" (The Big Three) of Mexican muralism. While sharing their commitment to public art and social commentary, Orozco's style was more somber, expressionistic, and often critical. He eschewed the more romanticized or nationalistic narratives sometimes found in his contemporaries' works, opting instead for a raw and frequently brutal depiction of human suffering, injustice, and the destructive forces of revolution and war.

His murals, characterized by their powerful brushstrokes, dramatic compositions, and intense colors, adorn prominent buildings in Mexico and the United States. Key works include those at the National Preparatory School in Mexico City, the Dartmouth College Library in New Hampshire ("The Epic of American Civilization"), and the Hospicio Cabañas in Guadalajara, which houses his magnificent fresco cycle "Man of Fire."

Orozco's art was deeply empathetic to the plight of the common people and fiercely critical of hypocrisy and oppression, whether from the church, the state, or the elite. His legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to using art as a vehicle for social critique and humanistic expression, leaving behind a body of work that continues to resonate with its profound emotional depth and intellectual rigor.