(b. Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, 1891; d. Mexico City, 1984).
Merida is of Maya-Quiche descent. He is best known for his painting and mural projects. Before devoting himself to the Fine Arts, Merida attempted a career as a musician. He had a great passion for American jazz music and remained friends with significant jazz musicians including Duke Ellington, Lionell Hampton, Stuff Smith and Louis Armstrong through out his life. He traveled to Europe at the age of seventeen under the supervision and tutelage of the artist Carlos Valenti. In Paris he studied with Van Dongen and Anglada Camarasa and became acquainted with Modigliani and Picasso. After traveling throughout Europe, Merida returned to Guatemala where he supported a pro Indian movement toward authentic "American Art". He moved to Mexico City and in 1922 he assisted Diego Rivera on his first mural for the National Preparatory School. In a continued attempt to heighten awareness of indigenous or folk-art he contributed regularly
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