Frida Kahlo and Mexico’s Forgotten Female Artists
“Frida” - 12x9” - Oil on Canvas
While in Mexico City, visiting the Frida Kahlo museum was at the top of my list of destinations. Her house was converted into a museum and her story is well preserved there. There’s no doubt she is the most famous female artist in Mexico. I’ve even painted her myself.
Kahlo is remembered for her self-portraits, pain and passion, and bold, vibrant colors. She is celebrated in Mexico for her attention to Mexican and indigenous culture and by feminists for her depiction of the female experience and form. She overcame disability and chronic pain to become a social and artistic icon. I am fascinated by her. But does her fame overshadow other equally worthy Mexican female artists? After this trip, I have no doubt that it does.
Frida Kahlo Museum, Mexico City
So who else is worth knowing? These women paved the way for female artists in a male-dominated world, centered women’s rights in their work, and they existed in the same time period as Frida Kahlo.
María Izquierdo
Painting by María Izquierdo
This artist from San Juan was married early and became bored with life, so she decided to take a painting class. Four years later, she left her husband and pursued art full time. She ended up meeting and marrying Rufino Tamayo (another famous artist who she became romantically involved with) and Diego Rivera (Frida’s husband and fellow artist) who became major influences in her life. She got numerous exhibitions in world-famous museums and earned the description of “best contemporary Mexican painter.”
Rosario Cabrera
Painting by Rosario Cabrera
She studied art at the Academia de San Carlos long before Kahlo and Izquierdo. On top of that, she was best in her class. Rosario Cabrera won awards for decades, and became the first Mexican woman to exhibit in Paris. She later became the first woman to lead one of Mexico’s first Escuelas al Aire Libre.
Aurora Reyes Flores
Painting by Aurora Reyes Flores
Mexico’s first female muralist used her artwork to send a message. Her paintings often tackled issues of poverty and worker’s rights. She was nicknamed “Magnolia Iracunda,” and she actively participated in politics. Reyes advocated for women’s suffrage, helped create daycare center for children, and participated in hunger strikes for the release of Mexican political prisoners.
Celia Calderón
Painting by Celia Calderon
One of Mexico’s most acclaimed printmakers is Celia Calderón. Her prints and paintings mostly featured notable figures and Mexican heroes. She was recognized by institutions around the world. She eventually became the first female teacher at the Academia de San Carlos.
There’s no denying Frida Kahlo’s talent and incredible story. These female artists deserve just as much recognition as she gets. There are many more mothers of Mexican art worth getting to know.
