Mexican artist Geles Cabrera, a trailblazing figure in modern sculpture and the first professional female sculptor in her country, has died at the age of 100. Her work, characterized by abstract, voluptuous forms often crafted from rough volcanic stone, has left an indelible mark on the art world, particularly in Mexico.

Cabrera’s journey was marked by the persistent sexism of her time. She overcame the societal barriers to become a celebrated artist, founding the Salón de la Plástica Mexicana in 1949 and opening the Museo Escultórico in Coyoacán in 1966. Despite initial recognition, her pioneering work was only fully appreciated later in her life.

Her sculptures often evoked themes of fertility and movement, reflecting her background in dance. Cabrera’s use of materials such as wood, plant fibers, and porous volcanic stone, or recinto, added a raw and sensual dimension to her pieces. Her abstract forms also drew her closer to the Generación de la Ruptura, a movement that challenged traditional Mexican art.

Throughout her career, Cabrera faced significant challenges, but she forged ahead, shaping a new path for generations of artists. Her late recognition, including a 2022 retrospective in the US and the 2023 Medal for Fine Arts, highlighted the importance of perseverance in the arts.