Mexican Modernism

    Mexican Modernism was an art movement the flourished in Mexico after the Mexican Revolution in the 1920's. Artists during this time period focused on creating works that distinctly expressed their nationality, along with expressing history, tradition, and identity, while creating and incorporating innovative artistic styles of the time. 

Landscape With Cacti by Diego Rivera 1931, In Diego Rivera Frida Kahlo Museums, Trust, Mexico

    I chose this painting because to me when I personally think of Mexico this is what I think of. Desert and cactuses, as well as it is what is most portrayed in non-Mexican media. I was also drawn to the combination of earthy tones and shades of greens create a sense of warmth and balance in the painting. The composition of this painting is visually captivating and really shows Rivera's appreciation for the unique plants of Mexico. 

    Most of Rivera's artwork often reflect his deep pride for his Mexican roots and heritage, connecting his art to the country's natural environment and indigenous roots. He was a key figure in the Mexican Muralism Movement which was aimed to create a national art that was easily accessible to the public and reflected the ideals of the time. His landscape paintings, including Landscape with Cacti contribute to the vision by portraying the Mexican landscape in a way that the Mexican people can resonate with. Rivera also used characteristics and techniques unique to Mexican Modernism, such as the emphasis on the energy of the natural world. Such as in Landscape with Cacti, the cacti in the painting are show with figurative form, showcasing Rivera's ability to infuse organic shapes with a sense of movement and life. 

Self-portrait with Braid by Frida Kahlo 1941 in Diego Rivera Fridal Kahlo Museums, Trust, Mexico

    

    I chose this painting because of the features of this self-portrait drew me in. They are very unique, the brightly colored braid on top of her head resembling a ribbon that is tied in a loop, the unibrow, and the intense gaze are all very captivating to me. I feel the use of vivid colors and intricate details really showcases Kahlo's unique style and her visualization of her identity. These all combined create emotional depth and makes this painting very aesthetically pleasing in my opinion. 

    Kahlo's artwork incorporates traditional elements such as braids, and indigenous clothing, emphasizing her deep connection to her Mexican heritage and her cultural identity. The use of symbolic imagery and the details around her with the highlights that blend personal identity with cultural themes which is a common expression within individual narratives with national identity within Mexican Modernism. Kahlo's self-portrait showcases pain, transformation, and resilience, these three things combine really exemplify the emotional and psychological depth that many Mexican Modernism Artists seek to explore. As well as her portrayal of herself as an individual, specifically a woman going against traditional gender roles and norms. I.e. the mustache and unibrow and strong facial structure. This contributes to the broader narrative of modernism in Mexico. 

Bride from Papantla, by Maria Izquierdo, 1944

        I chose this painting by Maria Izquierdo because of its display of Mexican Heritage and the cultural essence expressed through attire and customs. As well as Izquierdo's use of warm vibrant colors and the attention to detail in the bride's dress, accessories, and the surrounding invokes a sense of awe while looking at the painting. I also like how timeless this painting looks, the connection to tradition through the culturally significant clothing creating meaningful representation of Mexican heritage. 

    Izquierdo's Bride from Papantla highlights the rich cultural heritage of Mexico through the traditional attire and customs. The lively bright colors and vibrant aesthetics displayed in Brides from Papantla capture the traditional elements with Mexican Modernism artistic techniques. Izquierdo focuses on the importance of indigenous identity and traditions that aims to connect the painting to Mexico's pre-Columbian roots, which is a key theme of Mexican Modernism and the approach to honor the past while embracing contemporary artistic expressions. With the combination of traditional and modern elements Bride from Papantla not only showcases the key principles of Mexican Modernism but also Izquierdo's own unique contribution to the movement. 

Work Cited 

“Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and the Rise of Mexican Modernism.” Huck, 24 Oct. 2019, www.huckmag.com/article/frida-kahlo-diego-rivera-and-the-rise-of-mexican-modernism.

Learning, Ann Lambson Ann Lambson is a Senior Interpretive Specialist in the, and Engagement Department Ann has been at the DAM since 2015. “Women of Mexican Modernism | Denver Art Museum.” Www.denverartmuseum.org, 1 Dec. 2020, www.denverartmuseum.org/en/blog/women-mexican-modernism. 

WRIGHT, REBECCA. “Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera.” Studiointernational.com, 2024, www.studiointernational.com/index.php/frida-kahlo-diego-rivera-masterpieces-from-the-geldman-collection.  Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.