The new exhibit at the Albuquerque Museum showcases the vibrance and beauty of modern Mexican art. The exhibit is from the Jaques and Natasha Gelman collection, which consists of 20th-century Mexican art and includes pieces by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. Diego Rivera, a Mexican artist who was well known for his murals and political activism, experimented with cubism and post-impressionism before developing his own unique style that can be clearly seen in all his work. Frida Khalo, who was married to Rivera, is famous for her use of vibrant colors, passion, and depictions of the female body in her self-portraits. To enter this exhibit, tickets must be reserved ahead of time. I recommend that you purchase your tickets at least 3 days in advance to ensure that a time is available.
The exhibit is eye-opening to anyone interested in art. It is well-organized, with informational plaques at each section and work of art. The atmosphere is incredibly reserved and quiet, which allows for reflection on each piece. The exhibit includes paintings, photographs, examples of Mexican fashion, and a video about Diego Rivera’s life. The most compelling aspects of this exhibit, in my opinion, were Kahlo’s impressionist paintings. These included many amazing pieces like “Self-Portrait with Braid,” “Self-Portrait with Necklace,” and “Diego on my Mind.” My favorite piece was “Self-Portrait with Monkeys.” In this portrait, Frida Kahlo looks solemnly out of the canvas while monkeys surround her and move about. The juxtaposition of the dark monkeys with the white of Kahlo’s shirt and colorful background bring the piece to life. This exhibit opened my eyes to the beauty and diversity of Mexican art and culture. I would recommend it to those who value the history and passionate composition that surrounds mexican modernism.