Tina Modotti was born in 1896 in Udine and died in 1942 in Mexico City. She devoted her life to her two passions, art and revolution. One of the greatest photographers of the 20th century, her name is linked to that of the photographer Edward Weston. Pietro Modotti, Tina‘s uncle, played an important role in her life. And he owned a photography studio. It was thanks to him that she learned about photography and was able to start working as a photographer. Great social commitment marked Tina Modotti‘s life. She also heralded the characteristics of the modern female figure.
The Cinema
In 1918, she moved to San Francisco with her husband and began on a theatrical career. The theatre took her to three films in a few years. So she got her first leading film role in 1920. Tina Modotti‘s film career was short-lived. In the cinema, the public and the critics praised her highly. It was thanks to her husband that she met the painter Edward Weston, who inspired her and became her life partner.
Photography
Tina Modotti‘s photographs initially capture her interest in nature, photographing roses, bamboo canes and cactus. Later she became interested in more dynamic forms. Modotti also used photography to make social reports and as an investigative tool, with clear and precise ideas. Numerous magazines have published Tina Modotti‘s photographs. Mexican culture also emerged in her photographs, and she began to photograph people and landscapes. Famous museums around the world have conserved Modotti‘s photographs.
Tina Modotti and Edward Weston opened a portrait studio in Mexico City. The Mexican muralist movement chose her as its official photographer. She photograped the works of José Clemente Orozco and Diego Rivera.
Giulia Antonelli
