Adelita, 2015

kinetic papel picado sculpture: silkscreen on oilcloth
84 x 45 x 45 in.
private collection- Gilberto Cardenas

This work has elements of the Virgen de Guadalupe and the ancient Mesoamerican goddess Coatlique. The fringe pattern at the bottom is an ancient papel picado symbol for tears.

The photo in this work was taken of an Adelita or Soldadera c. 1910-1920. Adelitas fought along side of male soldiers in the Mexican Revolutionary War of 1910. They were very brave women and lead regiments of men in battle as colonels and generals. They also led regiments comprised entirely of women in battle. They were sent on spy missions, cooked and cared for soldiers, some were feared and respected by men. However, some women were abducted and raped. There are some stories of young girls who were abducted from their homes and forced to join the cause.

Unfortunately after 1920, the adelitas military contributions were completely devalued. Women were classified as wives and listed under the general term of soldaderas. Very few female veterans received military pensions.

After the Revolution, images of adelitas were romanticized in literature, film, art, and song. Adelitas were not depicted as diverse, independent women who fought in battle but instead were characterized by four main stereotypes: self-sacrificing, sexually carefree, sweethearts, or soldiers.