ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Ana Mendieta's Landmark Retrospective at Tate Modern

exhibition · 2026-05-20

The Tate Modern in London has launched a retrospective exhibition dedicated to Cuban-American artist Ana Mendieta, which will be available until January 17, 2027. This showcase emphasizes her unique blend of Conceptualism with elements of ritual, nature, and ancestral knowledge, deliberately excluding mentions of her death in 1985 or her spouse, Carl Andre. Notably, Mendieta's land art, particularly the "Siluetas" series from the 1970s, features her silhouette imprinted in various landscapes, with films making their UK debut. Her work also critiques second-wave feminism, including pieces like The Black Venus. Additionally, the "Esculturas Rupestres" series presents abstract carvings inspired by ancient petroglyphs. Other significant works include Untitled: Silueta Series, Body Tracks (1982), and the film Bird Run (1974), showcasing her covered in feathers on a beach.

Key facts

  • Retrospective at Tate Modern runs through January 17, 2027.
  • Exhibition omits reference to Mendieta's death or Carl Andre.
  • Mendieta's 'Siluetas' series developed at University of Iowa in the 1970s.
  • Films of 'Siluetas' debut in the UK at this exhibition.
  • Mendieta critiqued second-wave feminism as white, middle-class in 1980.
  • 'Esculturas Rupestres' began after Mendieta returned to Cuba in 1980.
  • Performance 'Body Tracks' staged at Franklin Furnace, New York in 1982.
  • Mendieta received Rome Prize residency in 1983.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Tate Modern
  • University of Iowa
  • Franklin Furnace
  • American Academy in Rome
  • State University of New York in Old Westbury
  • Marian Goodman Gallery
  • Alison Jacques, London
  • Artist Rights Society (ARS)
  • DACS
  • Alison Jacques
  • Artist Rights Society
  • CULTURED
  • Estate of Ana Mendieta
  • Galleria L'Attico
  • Galerie Lelong
  • San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
  • The Estate of Ana Mendieta Collection
  • Colossal
  • Circulo de Cultura Cubana
  • British Museum
  • A.I.R. Gallery
  • Tate International Council
  • Tate Patrons
  • Tate Members
  • Tate Americas Foundation
  • Hyundai Tate Research Centre: Transnational
  • Hyundai Motor
  • Artists Rights Society (ARS)

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • Cuba
  • New York City
  • Old Man's Creek
  • Iowa
  • Italy
  • Old Westbury
  • Havana
  • Florida
  • Iowa City
  • Manhattan
  • New York
  • United States
  • Mexico
  • Oaxaca
  • Yagul
  • Escaleras de Jaruco
  • Rome
  • Key Biscayne

Sources

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