In this video, we will explore how the narrative built around Maria Izquierdo's work has limited her work's critical reading. Likewise, we will explore her early paintings to examine her distinct visual aesthetic. To help you navigate this video, we recommend you answer the following questions as you watch it.
1. Why do you think it might be problematic to frame her work as solely part of Mexican aesthetics within a so-called Mexicanism?
2. How do you think an understanding of her work as a surrealist might limit the reading of her work?
3. How was the art scene in Mexico in the 1920s that helped Izquierdo develop her career?
4. What were the Escuelas al Aire Libre, and what do you think is their importance?
5. Why do you think Izquierdo was called a "self-trained artist"? How did that category serve North American curators to frame her work?
6. How was artistic education different under Rivera's tutelage?
7. What did Rivera see in Izquierdo, and how did he help her to launch her career?
8. What happened after the revolution that changed women's attitudes in Mexico?
9. What were the attitudes of these new progressive women? Why do you think these attitudes affected their aesthetic?
10. How is the composition of the painting Belem?
11. Do you think her flatness was due to her inability to paint any better?
12. What did her sister's gaze convey?
13. Why do you think Izquierdo chose those particular objects? Do you think it was a random choice?
14. What was the distinctness of her colour pallet?