Design in California and Mexico, 1915-1985: Found in Translation

by Wendy Kaplan (Editor), Staci Steinberger (Contributor), Abbey Chamberlain Brach (Contributor)

This groundbreaking book looks at the influence California and Mexico have had on each other’s architecture and design in the 20th century. The histories of Mexico and the United States have been intertwined since the 18th century, when both were colonies of European empires. America’s fascination with Mexican culture emerged in the 19th century and continues to this day. In turn, Mexico looked to the U.S. as a model of modernity, its highways and high-rises emblematic of "The American Way of Life." Exploring the design movements that defined both places during the 20th century, this book is arranged into four sections— Spanish Colonial inspiration, Pre-Hispanic Revivals, Folk Art and Craft Traditions, and Modernism. Featured are essays by leading scholars and illustrations of more than 300 works by architects and designers including Richard Neutra, Luis Barragán, Charles and Ray Eames, and Clara Porset. The word translation originally meant "to bring or carry across." The constant migration between California and Mexico has produced cultures of great richness and complexity, while the transfers of people and materials that began with centuries-old trade routes continue to resonate in modern society, creating synergies that are "found in translation."

360 pages, Hardcover

Published August 11, 2017

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book about art, architecture and design in California and Mexico. My favorite sections were on the Spanish-Colonial inspiration -on architecture, art and politics. My favorite essay is about revival of the pre-Hispanic past. I liked how the book included footnotes to the left of the text so it was easy to see information sources. I read this book from the library but it was so good I’m thinking about getting it myself.

[Mills College Library]

745.0794 F7711 2017