“Frozen Assets” is a fresco created by the esteemed artist Diego Rivera in 1931. Utilizing mediums such as fresco, steel, and concrete, this artwork is a quintessential representation of the Muralism movement. It measures 188.5 x 239 cm and falls under the genre of genre painting. Currently housed in the Dolores Olmedo Collection in Mexico City, Mexico, it stands as a poignant commentary of its time.
The artwork is composed in three distinct horizontal sections, emphasizing various aspects of urban life and economic disparity. The top section features a stark, imposing skyline dominated by towering skyscrapers, symbolizing the wealth and corporate power of the city. Below this, an intermediate segment shows a warehouse filled with rows of sleeping, body-shaped forms covered by blankets, under the watch of a lone guard. This represents the dehumanizing effects of wealth hoarding and economic depression. The bottom-most section depicts a basement bank vault with individuals in various states of waiting or contemplation, guarded behind bars, further emphasizing themes of social division and economic inequity. The meticulous use of color and form underscores the socio-political narrative Rivera aimed to depict through his work.