The influence of Latina artists in the history of art is undeniable — even if they are not always included or recognized in the long lists of artists who shaped and dictated the path of art.
With Latinos considered a minority in the art world, it is not surprising that women were doubly discriminated against.
But when talent and vision are strongest, no matter how much they try to silence the artist, their work will continue to shine. That is the case of these five wonderful Latina artists who, with their art, changed paradigms and made their way as pioneers in the art world.
Ana Mendieta (1948-1985)
Born in Cuba and exiled to the United States at 12, Ana was a multidisciplinary artist who practiced performance, video, photography, painting, and sculpture. A graduate of the University of Iowa, Ana explored art touching on themes such as sexual expression, the body’s connection to the earth and nature, life and death, sometimes incorporating elements such as blood.
Marisol Escobar (1930-2016)
Daughter of Venezuelan parents and born in Paris, Marisol spent her life living between Venezuela and the United States. She graduated from the National School of Fine Arts in Paris. During the 60’s she moved to New York, where she was influenced by Pop Art. Her work later explored sculpture, and her most famous works include pre-Columbian statues that mix political figures with incorporations of her own body.
Frida Kahlo (1907-1954)
The daughter of a German and a Mexican woman, Frida was exposed to art from an early age through her father’s photography. Her work was always very personal, reflecting her political thoughts without concealment and celebrating her indigenous culture. Her works have been exhibited in numerous museums and galleries around the world. Throughout her life, Frida had as many achievements as tragedies. The chronic pain caused by her illnesses never prevented her from expressing what she felt through her art until the last days of her life. Undoubtedly the most influential and well-known Latina artist in the world, Frida left her mark on this world.
Teresa Burga (1935-2021)
Teresa was one of the pioneering Peruvian multimedia artists in contemporary art, born in Iquitos. She earned her MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). She began to explore the art world further through the Grupo Arte Nuevo in Lima, with her works touching on themes such as women’s bodies and state violence during the military coup era. Teresa’s works have been exhibited worldwide.
Tarsila Do Amaral (1886-1973)
Tarsila Do Amaral was a Brazilian painter born in Sao Paulo. She lived in France in the early 1920s to study Cubism with renowned artists such as Fernan Léger. Inspired by her Brazilian culture and the indigenous and African population of her country, Tarsila developed a unique style combining sensual forms and color palettes that made her a reference in Latin American art.