Untitled 

This untitled painting was created by Arturo Rivera, a Mexican artist who died in 2020. Rivera was a figurative painter who used lots of symbolism and surrealism to create meaning. In this painting, a woman looks down, holding what looks like a crossbow. Here, the subject’s gaze evokes vulnerability, contrasting with the cold, metallic crossbow. The constellation in the background adds a layer of complexity, linking her personal experience to a broader cosmic order. The inclusion of everyday objects on the table creates a tension between the mundane and the symbolic. The gold cube on the right may imply ideas of status. As art historians, we consider how Mexican history and culture might have influenced the artist. We might consider the influences of Mexican surrealism, which was tied to revolutionary politics. Rivera's images have been researched by critics and historians, and this research helps us understand the ways that these artworks can be interpreted.