Adelita 1972

Editor: This is Jean Jansem’s "Adelita," painted in 1972 with oil paint. I'm immediately struck by how vulnerable she looks, but also dignified. How do you interpret this work, especially considering its historical context? Curator: The figure’s posture speaks volumes about the lived experiences of women, particularly during times of social upheaval. Jansem, of Armenian origin, may be indirectly commenting on displacement, memory and resilience using the female figure as a symbol for the struggles experienced worldwide. Editor: The title “Adelita” references women soldiers in the Mexican Revolution. Does that influence your interpretation? Curator: Absolutely. Connecting it to the Mexican Revolution gives the image an agency beyond suffering. These women fought, resisted, and took control of their destinies. Note Jansem’s choice of colors – muted, almost somber. Do you see that as reinforcing a specific narrative? Editor: Yes, the muted tones create a sense of timelessness and also perhaps reflect the emotional toll of conflict. It almost seems like the revolution is an open wound. Curator: Precisely! It pushes us to think about art’s ability to make the unspoken visible, engaging in larger dialogues of gender, resistance, and historical trauma. Editor: I see that, it is a powerful message! This has certainly changed my perspective. Thanks! Curator: Mine too! It’s in the interweaving of our interpretations that we truly see the complexity of art.