Tina Modotti: A Fragile Life [Paperback]

Mildred Constantine (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1993

Now widely recognized as one of the early twentieth century's most extraordinary photographers, Tina Modotti was remembered until recently more for her relationship to Edward Weston than for her own strong, sensuous work. This comprehensively produced biography, now published for the first time in paperback, captures in over 100 striking photographs and a sympathetic, meticulously researched text the fullness of a life wholly committed to political, personal, and artistic freedom. From her early days in Hollywood as a silent film actress, through the creative, fruitful years in Mexico with Weston and her political exile in 1930s Europe, to her sudden death in 1942, Tina Modotti's courage, clear vision, and dramatic flair made her one of the most internationally controversial and widely admired artistic figures of her day. Perceptive and authoritative, Tina Modotti lifts the veil on a fragile life of iron.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Though best remembered as Edward Weston's model, Modetti (1896-1942) was a fine photographer in her own right. This 1983 volume chronicles her somewhat mysterious life in prose and photographs: some of her, others by her. A solid title for photography and biography collections.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Mildred Constantine has had a distinguished career as an author, educator, and associate curator at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (August 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811805026
• ISBN-13: 978-0811805025
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,106,061 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A complex woman ahead of her time..., August 17, 2011

By 

Jeaninne M. Kato "JuFrida" (Rocklin, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Tina Modotti: A Fragile Life (Paperback)

I first learned about Tina Modotti amongst the many books I have read on the great Mexican artists of the middle twentieth century, such as Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. I have always been fascinated with strong, talented and independent women of any era, at any age. This book, Tina Modotti: A Fragile Life, doesn't disappoint. It is primarily an art book filled with Tina's incredible photographs, yet the text is rich with her life story. Being a photographer of great natural talent is only one facet of this magnanimous woman. Within her soft, feminine, truly giving nature, Tina dedicated her life to the revolutions of five countries (not including America, where she was raised as a child from Italy into adulthood). Tina fought against the stereotyping of beautiful women during her short stint as a Hollywood actress in the 20's; hence, Tina's deep affinity for the poor and underprivileged took her into worlds only read about in war novels. Through her liason with the great American photographer, Edward Weston, she learned of her natural talent to capture the world in raw, stunning views via her Grafex camera. It is obvious that her open, unabashed ability to love would lead her into some very dangerous political situations. Men coveted Tina, woman wanted to be her. This is a great first book on the essence of Tina...I can't wait to dig into the next one on my list of Tina Modotti's biographies.