Introduction
The Mexican Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) and the Living Muralism Museum (MVM) commemorate María Cenobia Izquierdo Gutiérrez (1902–1955), 70 years after her passing. Mario Delgado Carrillo, the head of SEP, paid tribute to her and emphasized that the museum preserves her feminist vision and strong character defining her work.
María Izquierdo: A Prominent Mexican Muralist
María Izquierdo, a Jalisco-born muralist and student of Diego Rivera and Rufino Tamayo, is highlighted in the MVM with two frescoes: “La música” and “La tragedia” (1946). Delgado Carrillo mentioned that she is considered a symbol of feminism in Mexican art, structuring her painting around recurring elements like altars, offerings, shelves, and still lifes, showcasing her distinctive passion for color.
Key Works
- Viernes de Dolores (1944): This oil painting reflects the prominence she gave to women, subverting the allegorical confines of male muralism and granting them an active, symbolically powerful role.
- La tierra (1945): Another oil painting that demonstrates her incorporation of esoteric and surrealist elements, enriching her artistic language.
Challenges Faced by María Izquierdo
Despite her accomplishments, María Izquierdo faced exclusion from the prominent Mexican muralists. In 1945, after being chosen to create a mural on the staircase of the Central District’s Department building, her project was canceled by Javier Rojo Gómez, then head of the department. Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros argued that she lacked sufficient technical experience in fresco painting.
Controversy and Public Denunciation
The controversy escalated when it was suggested that the real reason for cancellation was Izquierdo’s emphasis on women in her sketches. In response, she publicly denounced the blockage and male dominance within muralism, marking a significant episode in Mexican art history as the first woman to climb the scaffolding.
MVM’s Commitment to Women in Art
The MVM currently safeguards Izquierdo’s two pieces through a partnership with the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (INBAL) and a loan from UNAM’s Faculty of Law. The museum also exhibits a replica of the boceto she created for the canceled mural within the temporary exhibit “Mujeres y el muralismo,” alongside works by Aurora Reyes, Valetta Sean, and Graciela Iturbide.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is María Izquierdo? María Cenobia Izquierdo Gutiérrez (1902–1955) was a Mexican muralist and student of Diego Rivera and Rufino Tamayo.
- Why is she significant? She is considered a symbol of feminism in Mexican art, known for her distinctive use of color and themes revolving around altars, offerings, shelves, and still lifes.
- What challenges did she face? Despite her talent, Izquierdo faced exclusion from prominent Mexican muralists and had a project canceled due to alleged insufficient technical experience.
- How does the MVM honor her legacy? The Living Muralism Museum preserves Izquierdo’s works and exhibits a replica of her canceled mural boceto, alongside other female artists’ works in the “Mujeres y el muralismo” exhibit.
The MVM not only showcases Mexican muralism but also serves as a platform for social themes and historical memory, reaffirming women’s artistic expressions. The museum is open from Wednesday to Monday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, at Argentina No. 28, Historic Center, Mexico City.
