Detroit Industry Information and Images

Commercial Chemical Works
Click on the image to see a full view of the south wall.

  1. Commercial Chemical Works
    South wall, upper right panel 2.578 m x 2.134 m (8 ft. 5 in. x 7 ft.)

The Detroit Industry murals reflect not only Rivera's own unique conception of form, space, and color but also his knowledge of the modern European art movements of Cubism and Futurism. The commercial chemical panel on the south wall represents two workers in motion, portrayed in two different positions simultaneously. This attempt to capture motion was a compositional device developed by the Italian Futurists and is reminiscent of the popular art form of animated cartoons.