Tina Modotti

The other night on Cascade PBS I caught part of the second episode of Becoming Frida Kahlo. I don’t remember what made me stop and watch, but I was surprised when the film shifted to Tina Modotti, the photographer and one-time girlfriend of Diego Rivera.

On one wall of my living room I’ve pasted pages from a book called Women in Photography. I’m always caught off guard when I see one of those same images out in the world. In Amsterdam, at the KattenKabinet—a museum dedicated entirely to cats—I spotted the cover of a book in their gift shop with a photograph I had once used as the background for my own cat’s portrait:

So when Modotti’s name came up, I wondered if any of her images were on my wall. And sure enough, one was: Woman with Flag, Mexico City.

There are many different interpretations of the image, as are there of Modotti, but I enjoyed this description:

This powerful photograph captures the essence of a woman with unwavering determination, proudly carrying the flag of Mexico City in 1928. The image, taken by Italian photographer Tina Modotti, showcases a moment frozen in time that symbolizes strength and resilience amidst political unrest. The woman's stoical expression reflects her steadfast belief in the revolutionary struggle for change. Her strong presence serves as a poignant reminder of the oppression faced by many during this tumultuous period. As she marches forward, her resolve is palpable, embodying the spirit of solidarity and perseverance. Modotti's composition highlights both the historical significance and symbolic nature of this photograph. It captures not only a specific moment but also represents an entire era characterized by socialist ideologies and political upheaval. The dramatic contrast between light and shadow adds depth to the image, emphasizing its timeless quality. This photograph encapsulates the zeitgeist of Mexico City in the 1920s, capturing an important chapter in its history.

In 1921, Modotti met Edward Weston, becoming both his student and lover. Though still married, her husband died in Mexico in 1923, which drew her there for the first of many years she would spend photographing life in post-revolutionary Mexico. This article is a lovely example of how she is typically described in history: https://www.blind-magazine.com/news/tina-modotti-an-anti-conformist-at-heart/

I would also recommend reading through her Wiki page, as she lead an amazing life: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tina_Modotti