Gallery 2
May 20, 2011 to ongoing
The Makings of Mexican Modernism features prints and paintings from the late 1800s to the 1960s by some of Mexico’s most significant modern artists. Folk culture, high art and political consciousness influenced their art making; each of these artists contributed to the development of modern Mexican cultural identity.
Overview
Many of the artists in the exhibition, from José Guadalupe Posada to Rufino Tamayo, fused historical precedents with innovative perspectives in their art practice. Folk culture, high art and political consciousness influenced their art making. In effect, each of them contributed to the development of modern Mexican cultural identity.
The turn of the 20th century signaled great changes for Mexico: the country was buckling under an oppressive government, discoveries of its ancient civilizations were changing national consciousness, and a new wave of artists was emerging. The Making of Mexican Modernism aims to capture the spirit of this dynamic period when Mexico sought to re-envision its past, present, and future.
This exhibition was co-organized by Teresa Diaz, VPAM’s former Collections Manager, and the Vincent Price Art Museum.