Mexican Modernity: 20th-Century Paintings from the Zapanta Mexican Art Collection

In collaboration with Richard and Rebecca Zapanta, The University Museum and Art Gallery (UMAG) presents this retrospective exhibition of Mexican avant-garde painting. Over the past 25 plus years, the Zapantas have collected some of the best-known and most artistically influential Mexican artists, including José Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo and Frida Kahlo.

Mexican Modernity displays, through 40 paintings, the development of painterly styles and social representations, from the more European influenced compositions to predominantly indigenous themes that regularly appeared as liberal Mexico sought to distinguish itself from its Spanish colonial past. The exhibition aims to introduce the different, and at times unique styles, such as muralist art and neomexicanismo, and to highlight the importance that local painters played in the development of neo-expressionist and postmodern art, as well as the colour palette and compositions that are today celebrated as significant contributions.

In Mexico, artistic expression is often closely linked to societal change and political regimes. Consequently, this exhibition naturally lends itself to a discourse on the seismic shifts of Central America and the important achievements of the Latin-American community. Stimulated by local events and developments, the broad range of artistic styles and expressive visual narratives became influential abroad, and established an important place in history for Mexican artists.