The works in the Jacques and Natasha Gelman collection epitomizes the vitality and expressiveness of modern Mexican art. They were produced in a pivotal period in Mexican history, when the nation sought to redefine itself through political, social, and cultural reforms. Some of the figures in this exhibition are household names in Mexico and a handful of these have, over time, received international recognition. Perhaps none are more well-known than Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. Rivera’s intense personality, revolutionary politics, and inspiring murals made him a celebrity during his lifetime. Although once overshadowing his equally talented wife, Kahlo’s fame has far outstripped that of her husband in the years since her death. The raw emotion of her paintings still resonates today, and her intense self-portraits have made her face familiar throughout the globe. 

The captivating works by these two artists assembled by Jacques and Natasha Gelman are complimented by key works from their contemporaries, such as Lola Álvarez Bravo, María Izquierdo, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Rufino Tamayo. They were created in a period of rich artistic invention, when artists considered their work's potential to influence society. Their presentation in this exhibition is enhanced by period photographs that give a glimpse of important Mexican cultural figures, most notably Kahlo and Rivera, and offer a sense of their distinctive personalities.  

The Gelmans formed close friendships with many of the artists included in this exhibition, often acting as patrons and promoters of their careers. The works they collected offer an unrivaled opportunity to encounter the chaotic and creative Mexican art world of the first half of the twentieth century in all its complexity. Modern Mexican art would come to exert a key influence on modern art in the United States and its impact continues to be felt throughout the world today.

Organized by the Vergel Foundation and MondoMostre in collaboration with the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes y Literatura (INBAL)

Frida Kahlo's Self-Portrait as a Tehuana: A Very Close Reading

What can a single painting tell us about Frida Kahlo and her context? This experimental lecture takes one of Kahlo's most iconic self-portraits as a point of departure, in order to review past interpretations and open up new meanings, uncovered through a series of direct comparisons, expected and unexpected, ranging from Vincent Van Gogh to the 1937 Mexican 10-peso banknote. This lecture was presented on March 21, 2021 by Jay Oles, Senior Lecturer in Art, Wellesley College.

Documenting Rivera

Documentary filmmaker Mary Lance discussed her experiences researching and directing the documentary “Diego Rivera: I Paint What I See,” which was made between 1985 and 1989 in Mexico and the USA. The presentation included clips from the film, production stills, and images from the collection of research materials that went into making the film. This program took place live on Zoom on March 31, 2021.

Photography and Ways of Seeing with Cecilia Portal

In conversation with Curator of Art Josie Lopez, Cecilia Portal discussed works by Mexican Modernist Manuel Alvarez Bravo, her own photography, and her experiences as an artist of Mexico and New Mexico. This program took place live on Zoom on April 7, 2021.

Murals: Community History and Identity

A conversation between fresco muralist Frederico Vigil and art historian Holly Barnet-Sanchez exploring the intersections of art and community. Vigil is a Fresco Master who studied under Lucienne Block and Stephen Pope Dimitroff, apprentices of painter Diego Rivera. Barnet-Sanchez is an associate professor emerita at the University of New Mexico who has taught and written extensively on Chicano, Latino, and Modern Latin American art history. This program premiered on April 11, 2021.

The Legacy of Frida Kahlo with Latinos Who Lunch

In this special episode of Latinos Who Lunch, Albuquerque Museum Curator of Art Josie Lopez joined FavyFav and Babelito to discuss the exhibition Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Mexican Modernism and the legacy of artist Frida Kahlo. This program premiered on April 15, 2021.

Cooking Demonstration: Food, Frida, and Art

Artist and cook Jade Leyva demonstrated regional Mexican recipes inspired by those served to Frida Kahlo’s friends and family.  This program was presented in partnership with Albuquerque Museum and Three Sisters Kitchen. The program aired live via zoom on Wednesday, April 21.