Cristina Cardenas facts for kids

Cristina Cardenas (born 1957) is a talented artist who creates paintings, prints, and lithographs. She is famous for celebrating Mexican culture in her artwork. Many people believe her paintings are designed to make women feel strong and powerful.

Her Early Life and Education

Cristina Cardenas was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 1957. Later, she moved to the United States. She settled in Tucson, Arizona. Cristina studied art at the University of Arizona. In 1990, she earned a special degree in printmaking.

Cristina Cardenas's Art Career

Cristina Cardenas creates many different kinds of art. She makes paintings, lithographs (a type of print), and large murals. She also shares her artistic skills by teaching. Cristina teaches at Pima Community College. She also works with children at a local school.

Famous Artworks by Cristina Cardenas

One of her important works is Malinche, Coatlicue, y Virgen de los Remedios. This painting was made in 1991. It uses different art materials mixed together. The painting shows Malintzin, an important historical figure. She stands in front of Coatlicue, an ancient Aztec goddess. Around them, you can see La Virgen de los Remedios.

Words in the painting say: "Malintzin, India noble, mujer inteligente." This means "Malintzin, noble and intelligent Indigenous woman." Cristina Cardenas says this painting shows how Coatlicue influenced Malintzin. It also shows how a new religion was brought to her.

Another famous artwork is La Nina de los Espejos (2005). This is a lithograph. You can see it at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. This artwork is part of a special art show. It features a girl with long, dark, flowing hair. The lithograph explores the idea of women's strength.

Her print from 2004, called Graciela, is also well-known. It is part of the Self Help Graphics & Art collection. This collection is kept at the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center.

Where to See Her Art

Cristina Cardenas's art is held in many important collections. You can find her work at the National Museum of Mexican Art. It is also at the McNay Art Museum. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art has her art too. Her pieces are also part of the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center collection.