LUCES Y SOMBRAS: FOURTEEN TRAVELERS IN MEXICO
May 24 – December 1, 2013
Photographs from the Bank of America Collection
PERMANENT COLLECTION GALLERY
During the first half of the twentieth century many American artists traveled to Mexico. Some were drawn by the socio-political ideas that were being developed after the revolution, others traveled there for vacations and incorporated their experiences into their work and those interested in pre-Hispanic history and culture went to explore ancient temples and sacred sites. Several renowned American photographers such as Paul Strand, Edward Weston and Tina Modotti took up residency in Mexico for long periods of time, generating a cultural and artistic exchange with the local artists. Luces y Sombras: Fourteen Travelers in Mexico explores the rich cross-pollination between Mexican and American artists, a relationship that has enriched the field of photography in countless ways.
At the core of this exhibition is Paul Strand’s Mexican Portfolio, 1967, based on photographs originally taken in 1933. The twenty hand-selected photo-gravures comprising the portfolio represent the most extensive exploration of Mexico in this exhibition. The rest of the works include documentary style observations of Mexico such as depictions of landscapes, the architecture and local traditions. Other artists in the exhibition are: Wayne Miller, Harry Callahan, Danny Leon, Aaron Siskind, Sally Gall, Wijnanda Deroo, Brett Weston, Mario Algaze, Kenro Izu, Elliot Erwitt and Nan Goldin.