Ana Mendieta's life, art, and mysterious death explored in London exhibition
A major exhibition in London revisits the life and work of Cuban American artist Ana Mendieta, whose shocking performances and stunning images made her a sensation in the 1970s and 80s. Mendieta died in 1985 after falling from a New York apartment block; her husband, sculptor Carl Andre, was charged with murder but acquitted. The exhibition features her work with gunpowder and chainsaw, including a commission for MacArthur Park in Los Angeles. Mendieta had won the Prix de Rome and was a resident at the American Academy in Rome. Friends discuss her genius and the search for answers surrounding her death.
Key facts
- Ana Mendieta was a Cuban American artist known for shocking performances and images.
- She died in 1985 after falling from a New York apartment block.
- Her husband Carl Andre was charged with murder but acquitted.
- A major exhibition of her work is coming to London.
- In summer 1985, Mendieta worked with gunpowder and a chainsaw in Rome.
- She was creating a commission for MacArthur Park, Los Angeles.
- Mendieta won the Prix de Rome and was a resident at the American Academy in Rome.
- The commission involved cutting trees and burning gunpowder into them.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- American Academy in Rome
Locations
- London
- New York
- Rome
- MacArthur Park, Los Angeles
- Italy
- United States