Episode 1: The Haunting
Explicit content warning
09/23/22 • 44 min
3 Listeners
In 1980s Manhattan, a young Cuban artist named Ana Mendieta made a name for herself as a rising star in the art world. Her turbulent marriage to the older and well-established sculptor Carl Andre raised eyebrows. One September night, Carl called 911 in a panic. His wife, he said, “went out the window.”
To hear the rest of Season 1 ad-free, sign up for Pushkin+ on the Death of an Artist show page in Apple Podcasts, or at pushkin.fm/plus.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 1980s Manhattan, a young Cuban artist named Ana Mendieta made a name for herself as a rising star in the art world. Her turbulent marriage to the older and well-established sculptor Carl Andre raised eyebrows. One September night, Carl called 911 in a panic. His wife, he said, “went out the window.”
To hear the rest of Season 1 ad-free, sign up for Pushkin+ on the Death of an Artist show page in Apple Podcasts, or at pushkin.fm/plus.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Previous Episode
Introducing Death of an Artist: The Story of Ana Mendieta and Carl Andre
Coming Sept 23: For more than 35 years, accusations of murder shrouded one of the art world’s most storied couples: Was the famous sculptor Carl Andre involved in the death of his up-and-coming artist wife Ana Mendieta? Host Helen Molesworth revisits Mendieta’s death and the trial that followed, and interrogates both the silence and the protest that have accompanied this story ever since.
To hear the whole season early and ad-free, consider becoming a Pushkin+ subscriber in Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus. Death of an Artist is a co-production between Pushkin Industries, Somethin’ Else, and Sony Music Entertainment.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Next Episode
Episode 2: What the Wall Label Doesn’t Tell You
Following Ana’s death, police take Carl in for questioning. He has scratches on his face. His story is inconsistent, yet he maintains his innocence. In this episode, we rewind and take a look back at Carl’s history and his relationship with Ana and try to understand what led to that night.
To hear the rest of Season 1 ad-free, sign up for Pushkin+ on the Death of an Artist show page in Apple Podcasts, or at pushkin.fm/plus.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Death of an Artist - Episode 1: The Haunting
Transcript Summary
In Episode 1 of the podcast "Death of an Artist," a haunting tale unfolds as it delves into the complex lives of artists Anna Mendietta and Carl Andre. Their relationship, marked by tension and rivalry, takes a dark turn when Anna's friend voices concerns about Carl's potential harm. Anna's rising career and innovative art provoke further animosity within their dynamic. Tragically, Anna's life is cut short when she falls from the thirty-fourth floor of their apartment building. As the episode uncovers the events leading up to Anna's untimely demise, it unravels a story of experimental art, the boundaries of minimalism, and the enigmatic duo's impact on the art world. With a backdrop of New York City's vibrant downtown scene in the 1970s, listeners are captivated by the fascinating and ultimately troubling tale of Anna and Carl's intricate relationship and their groundbreaking contributions to the art world.
Transcript
Pushkin. This show contains adult language and occasional descriptions of violence. Please keep that in mind when choosing when and where to listen. It's May nineteen seventy three, Iowa City. There's a damp chill in the air. We are on a sort of shabby block in front of a brick apartment building with a white door in need of a paint job, and a storefront window with its blinds drawn shut. The sidewalk just in front of the door is covered in blood
Episode 1: The Haunting Top Questions Answered
Who were influential minimalist artists in the late 1960s and 1970s?
Carl Andre and Ana Mendietta were influential minimalist artists.
How did Carl Andre arrange his artwork?
Carl Andre arranged industrial materials on the floor to create his artwork.
What kind of reactions did Carl Andre's work elicit?
Carl Andre's work received criticism and admiration from people.
What kind of reactions did Ana Mendietta's work inspire?
Ana Mendietta's work challenged taboos and inspired strong reactions from viewers.
What was the relationship between Carl Andre and Ana Mendietta?
Carl Andre and Ana Mendietta had a complex relationship as artists and partners.
When and where did Carl Andre and Ana Mendietta meet?
They met at a gallery in 1979.
Were there any accusations against Ana Mendietta regarding her relationship with Carl Andre?
Some people accused Ana of being ambitious and using Carl for connections.
What were the circumstances leading up to Anna Mendietta's death?
Anna fell to her death from the thirty-fourth floor of Carl's apartment building after a fight, though the details of that night remain uncertain.
What were some recurring themes in Anna Mendietta's artistic work?
Anna Mendietta's artistic work focused on themes of violence and asking viewers to pay attention.
How did Anna Mendietta's art piece in Iowa City explore violence?
Anna and Reclean Mendieta's art piece in Iowa City used blood to explore reactions to a brutal crime and the residue of violence.
Who was Carl Andre in the art world?
Carl Andre was a prominent sculptor and one of the founding fathers of minimalism, redefining sculpture in the minimalism movement.
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