April 13, 2012, Wichita, KS – The Wichita Art Museum is proud to present one of the most prestigious and culturally significant exhibitions of Mexican art ever assembled. Visions of Mexican Art, on view April 29 through August 26, 2012, features 55 works by renowned Mexican artists from the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Spanning five movements of artistic production in Mexico over the last seventy years, this collection addresses the political and social plight of the country while celebrating its rich history. Paintings, sculpture, and photographs from several well-known artists, such modernists Diego Rivera and Rufino Tamayo, allow viewers to understand how the artistic movements shaped the culture.

The works are from Mexico’s Ministry of Finance’s Payment-in-Kind Collection, designed by the government to support artists by accepting their art in lieu of monetary payment for taxes. The art-for-taxes program was put into effect by presidential decree in 1975 and has since amassed more than 4,000 works, affording a fascinating glimpse into a number of Mexican artistic styles.

The exhibition was organized and funded by the Consulate of Mexico in Kansas City and supported in part by the City of Wichita.

Exhibition dates:
April 29 - August 26, 2012

Exhibition events:
Saturday, May 5
5 to 6 pm - Wichita Art Museum members only
6 to 8 pm - open to the public
Embrace the vibrant culture of Mexico at this family-friendly party with food and drink specials, live music, and crafts for kids as well as a short presentation by the Consulate of Mexico in Kansas City.

Above image: Yolanda Andrade, Dos Tiempos. Mexico, photograph, 1990.