Rodolfo Nieto, born on July 13, 1936, in Oaxaca, was a painter who began his studies at La Esmeralda. He later apprenticed under Diego Rivera and subsequently became his assistant. In the 60's, Nieto traveled to Paris to develop his artistic style. He learned woodcarving and lithography there and became interested in folk art. Nieto combined his newly discovered techniques with simplified, whimsical, figures in a vein related to magical realism. He won the Biennale de Paris twice (1963 and 1968) for painting. His work was highly regarded in Europe, but not so when he returned to Mexico, causing a depression that would haunt him for the rest of his life.
He met and married fellow artist Nancy Glenn and together they pursued their own art. She encouraged him to persevere, but he began to paint images indicating he was close to death...skulls and other imagery. Rodolfo died at the young age of 48, imploring his wife to keep his paintings, as they would be very valuable in years to come. She continues to paint using his now popular style.
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