Homage to Tina by Beatrice Brandini

Tina Modotti photographed by Edward Weston, 1924

I had already talked about the extraordinary Tina Modotti in a 2014 post (https://www.beatricebrandini.it/tina-modotti-muse-and-artist-strikingly-modern-woman/?lang=en) Today in Rovigo the most complete exhibition on her work, the largest ever organized in Italy. Unmissable!

Tina Modotti, Woman with flag, Mexico 1928

At Palazzo Roverella, more than 300 works are on display, including photographs, films and documents by Tina Modotti, from architecture to still life, from children to women, an artist who has greatly influenced modern photography, fashion and style.

Tina Modotti, Child in front of a cactus, Mexico 1928

Multiple and fascinating personality, actress, model, and finally photographer, Tina Modotti was born in Udine, she moved to Hollywood, and then migrated to Mexico, where she played an important role in both the artistic and political worlds.

Tina Modotti at the inauguration of the Escuela Libre de Agricultura Emiliano Zapata, Mexico 1928

For years her figure was forgotten, she was rediscovered thanks to a monographic exhibition at the MoMA in New York in 1977. From that moment on, her artistic and intellectual image has become a cult.

Installation of the exhibition Tina Modotti the work

Palazzo Roverella becomes the perfect stage to celebrate her, with rare films, photographs portraying herself as a model by some of the greatest photographers of the time, objects, magazines, writings… A way to honor Modotti’s entire work.

Tina Modotti, in front of some of her works in the 1929 exhibition in Mexico City

We start from the reconstruction of the only exhibition she personally organized in Mexico City, in 1929. Of the sixty works exhibited at the time, over forty are present in the exhibition. But we will also be able to attend the screening of the only surviving film, of the three of her filmed in her Hollywood period, Tiger’s Coat (1920), rediscovered and restored thanks to Cinemazero and the Cineteca del Friuli.

Exhibition poster

The exhibition, curated by Riccardo Costantini, will be open until January 28, 2024.

Tina Modotti photographed by Edward Weston

Tina Modotti was a modern woman, a free and independent woman, who fought hard for social rights such as education or the condition of the last, profoundly modern issues. Themes that will never cease to be current.

Good life to everyone!

Beatrice