Cristina Rubalcava: A Beacon of Mexican Culture in the Global Art Scene

Born in San Angel, Mexico City in 1940, Cristina Rubalcava’s artistic journey began amidst the vibrant cultural tapestry of her homeland. She showed a great interest in drawing and painting from an early age when she began her artistic training. She made her first trip abroad at 13, when she went to England and France to study. Her passion for art was evident, and it was the desire to immerse herself in the international art scene that at age 30, lead her to move to Paris where she established her studio and solidified her artistic career. Eventually she married a French minister with whom she has 2 daughters and she also has a studio in Ibiza that she visits regularly.

Living abroad offered Cristina a new perspective and a wealth of inspiration. This exposure to diverse artistic styles and cultures undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping her unique artistic vision. Rubalcava’s dedication to her craft has garnered her international acclaim. Her work, which includes paintings, sculptures, and personalized art objects, has been exhibited in over 40 individual exhibitions across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the United States. Her murals can be found in the Maison de l’Amérique Latine in Paris, the Bosque de Chapultepec in Mexico, and the Puerto de Veracruz, among others.

One of the most interesting periods in Cristina's life was when she produced paintings of typical Mexican fruits and vegetables as a vibrant celebration of her Mexican heritage. In the mid-1990s, she created a series of paintings featuring close-ups of various foods against striking solid colored backgrounds. One of her notable works from this series is a painting of Mexican spring onions, or cebollas cambray, cascading into a wicker basket. Another captivating piece features nopales and red prickly pears. These ingredients hold special significance in Mexican cuisine and are a testament to Rubalcava's deep connection to her culinary traditions. Her paintings showcase and promote Mexican culture abroad. They serve as a dual cultural legacy that pays tribute to the incomparable Mexican art and celebrates the rich gastronomic history of Mexico. Through her art, Rubalcava beautifully encapsulates the flavors, colors, and textures of Mexican gastronomy.

Recently, in 2020-2021, Rubalcava embarked on the itinerant exhibition "Virgen de Guadalupe, Manto del Mundo" which traveled to various churches in Ibiza, Es Cubells, Santa Eulalia, and other parts of Spain. The exhibition was accompanied by a concert featuring the Cantata prayer to the Virgin with Mariachi and the presence of singer Maria Elena Leal Beltran. This event showcased Cristina's deep connection with her Mexican roots and her ability to bring her culture to the global stage.

Cristina Rubalcava's work is a testament to her talent, dedication, and the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. Her journey from a young artist in Mexico to an accomplished contemporary artist living abroad is truly inspiring. We invite our readers to explore more of Cristina's work in our virtual exhibit. Experience the magic of her art and let it inspire you as it has inspired so many others around the world.

Enjoy the flavors of Mexico with these beautiful Rubalcava works