‘I thought of her as a volcano’: the triumphant art and very troubling death of Ana Mendieta
This article explores the life and artistic legacy of Cuban American artist Ana Mendieta, whose career was cut short by her death in 1985. It highlights her innovative performance art and the controversy surrounding her husband's subsequent murder charge.
Why it matters
Mendieta remains a significant figure in contemporary art, and the circumstances of her death continue to be a subject of cultural and legal debate.
Ana Mendieta at the Calixtlahuaca archaeological zone, outside Mexico City, 1971. Photograph: © The Estate of Ana Mendieta Collection, LLC. Licensed by Artists Right Society (ARS), New York / DACS, London / Courtesy Marian Goodman Gallery Ana Mendieta at the Calixtlahuaca archaeological zone, outside Mexico City, 1971. Photograph: © The Estate of Ana Mendieta Collection, LLC. Licensed by Artists Right Society (ARS), New York / DACS, London / Courtesy Marian Goodman Gallery Art ‘I thought of her as a volcano’: the triumphant art and very troubling death of Ana Mendieta Her shocking performances and stunning images made Mendieta the talk of the art world in the 1970s and 80s. Then she fell from a New York apartment block in 1985 – and her husband was charged with murder. As a major exhibition comes to London, her friends discuss her genius and their search for answers
While the subject matter involves a sensitive criminal case, the reporting focuses on artistic legacy and biographical context.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in