Committed and wise, artist Tina Modotti (Udine, Italy, 1896 – Mexico City, 1942) had a strong personality that built her life as an exciting story to tell. The character behind her life and her political commitment have, too often, come to hide her exceptional talent as a photographer.

Now -in its fifth collaboration with PHotoEspaña- the LOEWE FOUNDATION has made possible what will be the first solo exhibition of Modotti’s work in Spain. Curated by María Millan, this showing synthesises a special moment in the history of the twentieth century: the inter-war period that she lived intensely.

As a disciple and partner of the American photographer Edward Weston, Modotti was devoted to photograph the many details of diverse laborious atmospheres. Her work borders on anthropology and shows people as being part of a fascinating social reality that she could never ignore. Moreover, the photographs of the first period of her life display some wonderful still-lifes and shadowing studies that she used to transform any daily scene into abstraction.

Among the 50 selected images gathered in this exhibition, those devoted to crafts, its dedication and creative rigor, will gain special prominence. Those values ​​have shaped the identity of LOEWE through the years, and Modotti herself showed special respect to them through her camera.

Tina Modotti, PHotoEspaña 2015. Photographs courtesy Throckmorton Fine Art. LOEWE at 26, Serrano St., Madrid. Throughout August 30th, 2015.  [Monday – Saturday: 10:00 to 20:30h. Sunday and holidays: 11:00 to 20:00h].

Photographs by Tina Modotti: Roses (1924), Still life (1928-29), Hands resting on a shovel (1926).