In my experience, when the topic of Mexican art arises, one of two things happens: Either the work of Diego Rivera becomes the bulk of the conversation or questions arise about the importance of even discussing it. It's a shame. European art always seems to get top billing and everyone else seems to get the short end of the stick.
The good news is that a show now hanging at the Meadows Museum in Dallas, Texas has the strength to change all of that. The works all come from the Andrés Blaisten collection which has come to be known as "one of the most complete readings of 20th century art in Mexico."
More than 8,000 works are in the complete collection, and eighty of them (from more than 40 artists) are being exhibited in this show. The collection is a revelation of sorts, showing not only the incredible talent of the period but also the clear connection to European work.
On the walls hang greats including, Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Ruffino Tamayo. But also to be found in the show are the works of those whose names we might not know but certainly should, Maria Izquierdo, Roberto Momtenegro, Fernandez Ledesma, and Ramos Martinez.
The collection is beautifully hung on walls whose colors were meticulously chosen for the show. Don't be surprised when Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Degas spring to mind as you view the works. Modern Mexican painting has never been conceptualized in quite this way before.
This slide show offers a little taste of what visitors to the exhibit will be treated to.
Through August 12, 2012 at the Meadows Museum on the Southern Methodist University campus, 5900 Bishop Blvd., Dallas.
