Tina Modotti (1896‑1942) has been described as a photographer, model,
actress and revolutionary activist. Born in Italy, Modotti came to the
U.S. in 1913. Attracted to the arts, Modotti appeared in several silent
films but began her pursuit of modeling and photography in 1920. Though
her father and uncle both ran photography studios it wasn’t until she
began a relationship with photographer Edward Weston that photography
took hold. One of Weston’s favorite models, Modotti soon developed a
talent as a fine art photographer and documentarian. The bohemian
lifestyle of Mexico drew Modotti, Weston, and other artists and
photographers in the mid 1920s. However, the political and
anti-communist environment forced Modotti to leave the country in 1930.
Modotti spent the rest of her life on missions for Workers
International Relief and Comintern, eventually returning to Mexico City
where she died.