Carlos Mérida's 1920 Critique of Saturnino Herrán Examined

In her inaugural essay, Harper Montgomery examines Carlos Mérida's 1920 critique of fellow artist Saturnino Herrán, originally published in El Universal Ilustrado. Analyzing Mérida’s observations during his early days in Mexico City, Montgomery highlights the broader debate on national identity in art post-Revolution. She posits that Mérida's insights not only challenge the prevailing admiration for Herrán, who blended realism with sentimentality, but also underscore the complicated relationship Mexican artists have with indigenous culture. By delving into this critique, Montgomery sheds light on Mérida's own works that prominently feature indigenous women, expanding the conversation around representation in art.