Aurora Reyes Flores

Aurora Reyes Flores (born in Hidalgo del Parral, September 9, 1908 – Mexico City, April 26, 1985) was a Mexican artist, known as a painter and writer, and she was the first female muralist in Mexico and first exponent of Mexican muralism. She also went by the name Aurora Reyes.

In 1913, Aurora Reyes and her family fell into poverty in the outbreak of the Mexican Revolution, as they were forced to flee their home, partially due to the political allegiance of her father, Captain Leon Reyes. In school, she focused on the history of 20th century Mexican art and muralism history. Additionally, in her own studies she specialized in studying female artists.

Reyes had relationships with artists that she would parallel with. She had a strong friendship with Frida Kahlo. They were classmates at the Escuela Nacional Prepatoria in the early 1920s; however, Reyes was expelled shortly after enrolling. Her expulsion did not keep them apart; photos captured them together and happy. They remained friends for the rest of their lives. They were important to each other, so much so that Reyes was part of the honor guard at Kahlo's funeral. Another friendship that Reyes had was with Concha Michel. This friendship flourished when Kahlo got married in the late 1920s.

Despite her artistic success and outspoken personality, she died nearly forgotten. Between 1960 and 1972 she painted another four murals in the Auditorium of 15th May of the Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (SNTE). In 1978 she finished her sixth mural at the Hernán Cortés house in Coyoacán.

Her literary works include Nueve estancias en el desierto, Humanos paisajes, and Espiral en retorno. She received awards for her poetry. She also promoted the creation of daycare centers for the children of schoolteachers.

In 1960 she participated with other intellectuals in a hunger strike on behalf of political prisoners in Mexico. In 1968, she participated in the student uprising, which forced her into hiding at the La Castañeda psychiatric hospital for a time.