In 1933 in a feat of American capitalism, Nelson Rockefeller completed his skyscraper at 30 Rockefeller Plaza NYC and commissioned his mother’s favorite artist, Diego Rivera to paint a celebratory mural to adorn the entry. What Rockefeller did not know was that Rivera was an avowed communist, with disdain for the Rockefeller family and high opinions of Marx and Lenin. The ideological tug of war that ensued is still discussed in art circles to this day.

Kyle Weaver ~ Pearls Before Swine: The Rockefellers, Rivera & the Art of Subversion

Odd Salon SHORTS "Shock & Art": Five, five minute stories of outrageous art and maddening masterpieces, eccentric artists, scandalous canvases & pieces that inspired love, loathing & lust

Curated by JR Pepper
Produced and edited by Annetta Black & Tre Balchowsky

Odd Salon: SHORTS! Five, five-minute stories from the odd corners of history, science, art, and adventure. www.oddsalon.com