Lola Álvarez Bravo: Subverting Surrealist Photography in Mexico

Rather than merely draw inspiration from Surrealism, I argue that Mexican photographer Lola Álvarez Bravo actually subverts some of its founding tenets and iconography. Though archived letters documenting the turbulent relationship with her former husband Manuel Bravo, contend empirical experience incited to deconstruct male anatomy similarly surrealist treatment female body, photographically subverting iconography within. consider how Lola’s staunchly Catholic religious beliefs impacted upon feminist stance she navigated faith in a Surrealist manner. Subsequently, chart photography reversed stereotypical gender roles post-revolutionary society, repurposing penchant for mannequin service feminism. practice corresponds form intersectional feminism, whereby own battles concurrently engender sympathy other marginalized communities such as poor indigenous. Nevertheless, due reliance government commissions, photographic repertoire does sometimes stray into propaganda despite ardent denials thereof; clearly had more artistic freedom compared Lola. subversion surrealism is underpinned by dichotomy generalized concrete other, elaborated feminist-cosmopolitan philosopher Seyla Benhabib.