ELY DE VESCOVI (1910-1988)
Mother and Child
1936
Oil on canvas
26 1/2 x 23 1/2 inches
IMOGEN CUNNINGHAM (1883-1976)
Frida
1931
Platinum and palladium print
20 x 24 inches
Mexican Modernism
From the revolution in 1910 to the late 1940s, Mexico was a center of modern art. Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, two of its most influential leaders, were sought out by critics, collectors, and artists from around the world. Imogen Cunningham and Lola Alvarez Bravo, two of the most important 20th century photographers, both captured the couple. Ely de Vescovi moved to Mexico City in 1933 after learning about Rivera’s work and subsequently became his studio assistant. In addition to helping Rivera paint some of his most important frescos with an innovative technique she developed for keeping the plaster “wet” for longer periods of time, she also pursued an independent career as an artist.