Aurora Reyes Flores facts for kids

Aurora Reyes Flores (born in Hidalgo del Parral, September 9, 1908 – Mexico City, April 26, 1985) was a talented Mexican artist. She was known as a painter and writer. She holds the special title of being the first female muralist in Mexico. She was also a key part of the Mexican muralism art movement. People often called her Aurora Reyes.

Her Life Story

Aurora Reyes was born into a family with some famous members. Her father was León Reyes, a soldier. Her grandfather, Bernardo Reyes, was a general. Her uncle, Alfonso Reyes, was a well-known writer.

When the Mexican Revolution started, her family had to leave their home. They moved to Mexico City because of political problems. When things became calmer, Aurora started school at the Escuela Nacional Preparatoria at age 13. Later, she studied art at the Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes until 1924.

She married a journalist named Jorge Godoy. They had a son named Héctor in 1926. After they divorced in 1931, she had another son, Jorge.

Aurora Reyes was a very successful artist. She was also known for speaking her mind. She had a close friendship with the famous artist Frida Kahlo. They were classmates in the early 1920s. Even though Aurora was expelled from school, they stayed friends for life. Photos show them together and happy. Aurora was even part of the honor guard at Frida Kahlo's funeral. She also had a good friendship with Concha Michel.

Her Amazing Art

Aurora Reyes was the first Mexican woman to paint large murals. She was also a respected writer. From 1921 to 1923, she studied at the Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes. Her first art show was in 1925 at the ARS Gallery. She showed her art in Mexico, France, Cuba, and the United States.

In 1927, she started teaching drawing and painting for the government. She taught until she retired in 1964.

Aurora Reyes created seven murals during her life. Murals are big paintings on walls. In 1936, she finished a mural called "Atentado a los maestros rurales." This means "Attack on Rural Schoolteachers." It showed how problems in society affected teachers. In 1937, she painted "Woman of War." This mural showed a woman ready to fight. She had lost her child because of war.

Between 1960 and 1972, she painted four more murals. These were in the Auditorium of 15th May. This is a building for the national teachers' union. In 1978, she finished her sixth mural. It was at the Hernán Cortés house in Coyoacán.

She also wrote books of poetry. Some of her works include Nueve estancias en el desierto, Humanos paisajes, and Espiral en retorno. She even won awards for her poems.

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  Juchitan Market by Aurora Reyes Flores, 1953

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  Sick Child by Aurora Reyes Flores, 1937

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  Portrait of Kroupskaia by Aurora Reyes Flores, 1930

Her Political Work

Aurora Reyes was very outspoken about her beliefs. She was also very involved in politics. People even called her "Magnolia Iracunda," which means "Fiery Magnolia." Her family's struggles with poverty when they moved to Mexico City shaped her political views.

She was a member of the Partido Comunista Mexicano. She also helped start groups like the Liga de Escritores y Artistas Revolucionarios. She was part of the Confederación Nacional Campesina. Aurora was also a member of the Enseñanza de la República Mexicana. In this group, she fought for women's rights. She wanted women to have a say in government. She also wanted them to have teaching jobs.

Aurora Reyes fought for many important issues. She worked for women's right to vote. She also wanted women to hold elected positions. She pushed for longer maternity leave for mothers. She also wanted mothers to have time for breastfeeding. She helped create daycare centers for teachers' children.

In 1960, she joined other thinkers in a hunger strike. This was to support political prisoners in Mexico. In 1968, she took part in a student protest. This event caused her to go into hiding for a while.

See also

In Spanish: Aurora Reyes para niños