The African Presence in Mexico: Celia Calderon and the TGP

Sometimes the story behind a painting can be just as compelling as the painting itself. Please note the life of Celia Calderon and the story behind her painting of Morelos.

Peace,

Everett Jenkins

Class of 1975

Celia Calderón was a Mexican artist best known for her engraving work but was also noted for her oils and watercolors. She was a member of the Sociedad Mexicana de Grabadores, Taller de Gráfica Popular and the Salón de la Plástica Mexicana.

Celia Calderon was born in the state of Guanajuato in 1921 to Felix Calderón and Enedina Olvera.^[1] She attended the Escuela Nacional de Artes Plásticas and a workshop founded by Díaz de León to learn engraving.^[2][1] She received a scholarship from the British Consulate to finalize her studies at the Slade Art School in London.^[2]

In 1947, she was invited to join the Sociedad Mexicana de Grabadores and in 1952, the Taller de Gráfica Popular. Her watercolor ability gained her a position as a teacher at the Academy of San Carlos beginning in 1946.^[2]

At the invitation of the Soviet Union, she traveled to Asia and exhibited her work in Beijing.^[2]

In 1955, she own the Salón de Invierno Prize from the Salón de la Plástica Mexicana of which she was a founding member.^[1]

She was best known for her graphic work although she was also a noted painter in oils and watercolors. Her engraving work employs a number of techniques especially lithography. Her watercolor work was praised by famous art critic Justino Fernández, considered the father of Mexican art history.^[2] Her imagery mostly consisted of popular personages with her graphic work focusing on Mexican heroes.^[1]

Her last residence was General Molinos del Campo No. 53 in Tacubaya. She committed suicide on October 9, 1969, shooting herself in the head at the Academy of San Carlos.^[2]

Here is the link to the story behind the painting of Morelos:

http://art-for-a-change.com/blog/2009/07/mexican-prints-at-university-of-notre-dame.html