At last count, there were over 50 million Hispanics living in America and that number is expected to only grow in the years ahead. Many of them zealously embrace their heritage and others are just learning about their ancestors’ birthplaces. However, both groups seem to enjoy showing off their familial roots with the aid of world culture art. So we’re chiming in today with a quick look at five Spanish artists that people may not be familiar with:

1.) Simon Silva (Mexican)

One of the first artists to make our list is Mexican Simon Silva. Considered a native of Mexicali, he was born into a family of migrant farm workers who eventually relocated to California. Not surprisingly, many of his vibrant prints feature agricultural families going about their daily lives. Our list of favorites includesAmor a Todas Horas, Las Comadres, Dos Mujeres and Un Dia de Campo.

2.) Pedro Alvarez Castello (Cuban)

Pedro Alvarez Castello is another world culture artist of note. Born in Cuba, he was influenced by other Spanish artists, like Victor Patricio Landaluze and Alejandro Mendoza. Unlike Silva, his work took on a more pop culture feel. As such, it was not uncommon for him to highlight Latin American dances and other aspects of Cuban American culture. One painting that illustrates the passion found in Spanish dances is titled, Tango Argentino. It features a dancing couple in the midst of a romantic embrace.

3.) Juarez Machado (Brazilian)

While we are on the subject of world culture art that features Latin American dance, we can’t help but mention Juarez Machado. A native of Brazil, he has produced many paintings that show Spanish dancers and revelers in all of their glory. His list of fabulous works includes Femme au Robe Rouge, Tango a Robe Rouge and Copacabana Palace Hotel.

4.) Jaime Olaya (Columbian)

Of course Latin American culture includes more than just passionate dance and agrarian roots. It also includes a good deal of religious images. So we wanted to add Columbian artist, Jaime Olaya to our list. His paintings feature images of Hispanic family life, women and angels. Paintings in his collection that world culture art lovers may enjoy are Dos Angeles, La Maternidad and La Familia.

5.) Diego Rivera (Mexican)

Lastly, we’d be remiss to bypass the world culture art of Mexican, Diego Rivera. He is quite well known and exhibits devoted to his work are located all over the world. Some of his most beloved paintings feature calla lilies, sunflowers, women, children and farmers. Examples include Vendedora de Alcatraces, Muchacha con Girasoles and Flower Festival: Feast of Santa Anita.

To discover more art from this culture, check out our Hispanic art selection!

International renowned artist and activist Diego Rivera was born in Guanajuato, Mexico in 1886. He studied painting at a young age and moved to Paris in 1907. Rivera was mindful of creating new styles of art that could express modern reality and connect with wide, general audiences. Upon experiencing the Renaissance frescoes in Italy, he found his artistic niche and returned to Mexico with unparalleled vision.

Diego Rivera used the fresco form in universities and other public places in Mexico, which made his art accessible and brought it into contact with everyday people. He brilliantly merged his views of political freedom with his artistic voice by embracing public platforms over and above the stuffy, private venues of art museums and galleries. Rivera gained fame rapidly, and he created numerous murals that celebrate Mexican history.

Rivera's paintings often contained natural elements such as flowers and animals, common people performing essential tasks, and basic family relations, such as Mother and child. He had a remarkable way of depicting bold colors and curved lines that created seamlessly flowing images. His artistic style is at once realistic yet exceptionally beautiful to behold.

Rivera was commissioned in 1930 by the American Stock Exchange Luncheon Club, as well as the California School of Fine Arts. In 1932 during the Great Depression, Rivera created a fresco at the Detroit Institute of the Arts, a magnificent work of art commissioned by Henry Ford that highlighted the history of American industrial workers. While the piece was considered controversial, it is still regarded as one of Rivera's most amazing paintings.

Rivera's American presence as an artist is noted for influencing Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration, which helped numerous artists find meaningful employment during tough economic times. Ultimately, Diego Rivera left behind a legacy of national art in Mexico, and he forever impacted the American landscape of public art.