José María Velasco Exhibition at London’s National Gallery

The National Gallery presents “José María Velasco: A View of Mexico” until August 17, celebrating the artist’s influence on Mexican identity and art. This is the gallery’s first solo exhibition for a Latin American artist and marks 200 years of Mexico-UK relations, featuring 30 works that highlight Velasco’s deep connection to nature and cultural heritage.

The National Gallery in London has launched a landmark exhibition, “José María Velasco: A View of Mexico”, which runs until August 17. This is the first solo exhibition dedicated to a Latin American artist by the gallery, celebrating 200 years of diplomatic relations between Mexico and the UK.

As one of the globe’s most popular museums, the National Gallery showcases over 2,300 Western European paintings. Opened in 1824, the gallery’s mission has always been public accessibility, offering free admission since its inception.

José María Velasco’s art is integral to Mexico’s national identity, particularly known for his landscapes, yet rarely seen in Europe. Notably, there are no Velasco works in UK public collections, marking this London exhibition as a significant opportunity for international audiences.

Born in 1840, Velasco studied under Eugenio Landesio at the Academia de San Carlos. Despite his European training, he developed a unique style as Mexico’s foremost landscape artist. His interests spanned various scientific fields, enhancing his art, which reflects a profound respect for nature amidst industrialization.

Velasco transformed Mexican painting by centering nature in his work, moving away from a focus on human figures. His landscapes are characterised by intricate compositions and colour harmony, inviting contemplation of the natural world.

Creating nearly 300 works, Velasco earned notable recognition, including the presidency of the Mexican Society of Natural History. His iconic series of the “Valley of Mexico” captures the landscape around Mexico City before urban expansion.

The exhibition features 30 works, primarily from the Museo Nacional de Arte, and includes a significant painting commissioned for František Kaška, “Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl seen from Lake Chalco”. The show is divided into six thematic sections, exploring Velasco’s diverse interests and the evolution of his art.

The display not only showcases Velasco’s masterpieces but also highlights his influence in shaping the visual identity of Mexico. Declared a National Historic Monument in 1943, his work is a crucial cultural treasure. This exhibition allows visitors at the National Gallery to view Mexico vividly through Velasco’s lens.

The exhibition “José María Velasco: A View of Mexico” at the National Gallery marks a significant cultural event, celebrating Velasco’s contributions to Mexican identity and landscape art. With no prior major exhibitions in Europe, this showcase provides a rare chance to appreciate his work and its impact on both national and international art contexts. Readers are encouraged to visit before it concludes on August 17.

Original Source: mexiconewsdaily.com