Title: Peasants of Tlahuac.
Artist: Arturo Garcia Bustos (1926-2017)
Lithograph, 1946.
Edition 250.
Published by Taller de Grafica Popular, circulated by Associated American Artists.
Signed and titled in watercolor, lower right.
Image size 11 1/4 x 13 3/4" (28.5 x 24.8 cm).

This lithograph was created for the "Mexican People" portfolio, circulated by Associated American Artists in 1946. It contained work from 12 artists depicting different areas of Mexico, most of which were in the country's center.

The information sheet within the portfolio described the scene as this: "Since the last decade of the colonial period in Mexican history, in the southern part of what is now the Federal District, there have existed the floating islands on which are raised the vegetables that feed Mexico City. In this region are found the villages of Tiahuac, Xochimilco, Mixquic and Tezompa. Their inhabitants are small land-owners and their lives are bound, as were the lives of their pre-Hispanic forefathers, to these "chinampas" or floating gardens which dot the canals that are always filled with crystal clear water from the springs at the foot of the Ajusco mountain range. These islands and small lagoons held an important position in the agrarian fight of Mexico. Even today, when some ranchers or simple farmers speak of 'those days', he respectfully bares his head when the name of the leader of these struggles, Don Emiliano Zapata, is mentioned."

Arturo Garcia Bustos was a Mexican painter, printmaker and muralist, born in Mexico City. He was one of four students to study with Frida Kahlo in Coyoacan, which earned him title of being one of the “los Fridos.” He also had a hand in the founding of "Artistas Jóvenes Revolucionarios." In 1957 he traveled to Korea and China to broaden his understanding of printmaking and following his return, he married artist Rina Lazo. Together they taught and lectured about art throughout Mexico and parts of Europe.

Condition: Good condition, water stain in the outer lower right margin corner, well away from the image.