muralism

American  

[myoor-uh-liz-uhm] / ˈmyʊər əˌlɪz əm /

noun

(sometimes initial capital letter)

1. an artistic movement identified chiefly with the Mexican painters José Orozco, Diego Rivera, and David Siqueiros and exemplified by their grand-scale, narrative murals on humanitarian, social, and political themes.

---

Etymology

Origin of muralism

mural + -ism; compare Spanish muralismo

Example Sentences

During high school, he was introduced to Mexican muralism and decided to instead paint murals that could directly impact his community.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 21, 2025

Claudette Johnson’s new artwork honours the Black female experience through this bold triptych, continuing Art on the Underground's exploration of contemporary responses to muralism at Brixton station.

From BBC • Oct. 25, 2024

Purists have long lamented that starting in the late 20th century, muralism was replaced by urban art or short-lived graffiti.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 10, 2022

Cimi, one of the kings of El Paso muralism, gathers locals before painting on their walls, conducting focus groups to learn how to best represent the community.

From New York Times • Apr. 8, 2021

Mexican muralism is being reconsidered and recognized all over the world.

From Time Magazine Archive