Art has been used as a way to record the joys and struggles of life since the beginning of human existence. The current exhibit displayed at the Peninsula Fine ArtsCenter (Pfac), “Las Artes de Mexico,” is the embodiment of this idea. 

The people of Mexico have left modern society with a guidebook to how they lived, worshipped, loved, and died through the beauty of their artistry. This fantastic collection, courtesy of Oklahoma’s ‘Gilcrease Museum of the Americas,’ spans over three millennia and showcases pieces that date back as far as 300 BC as well as examples of contemporary artwork. Walking through the collection isn’t just an exercise in artistic appreciation, but an opportunity to witness the evolution of a civilization.

There were several notable pieces within the collection, but one that stood out was the “Standing Female Figure” and its mate, “Standing Male Figure.” Created by the Nayarit, these tall earthenware statues have been dated to between 300 BC and AD 200. Both of the sculptures are adorned with jewelry and each is sexually distinct based on their gender. The detail and the size of the figures are to some extent what set them apart from the other earthenware in the collection; however, the trait that really marks them as striking is that they appear to be so very cheerful.  Each face is decorated with a generous smile and leaves the viewer with the feeling of celebration and happiness.  Most importantly, they also inspire a feeling of human connection - that man has changed through the ages and yet, essentially, we remain the same.

 A more “recent” piece that stood out was “Taxco” by Abundio Rincon (1823-1885).  This watercolor showcases the town of Taxco nestled below a backdrop of mountains with a lane that peeks into view from between the town’s rooftops.  A soft blending of colors, the artist’s technique makes the painting seem both bold and delicate simultaneously.  The piece seems to speak of the simplicity and peacefulness of a small Mexican pueblo and the lives of the people inhabiting it.  I have to mention that my husband, who attended the exhibition with me, was quite taken with the painting.  He had been to Taxco and was amazed at how the town (which he informs me is famous for their silver) is relatively unchanged today from Abundio Rincon’s image painted over a century ago. 

Not only is the painting beautiful in its own right, but for those who have had the opportunity to visit Taxco, it’s also a bit nostalgic.

There is no other nation that has so passionately and colorfully captured not only the joys of life, but the sorrow of life as well as Mexico has.  It even boasts a day of tribute to its dead ancestors, Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead.)  The oil painting, “La Nina Muerta,”  (1944) is an excellent example of the way in which the Mexican culture views death and manages to to find an inate beauty in this aspect of life.  In the piece, a young girl is shown laying dead on a bed surrounded by mourners.  The sorrow is palpable, and yet the flowers and colors displayed in the painting are beautiful and celebratory. There’s an impression that the pain of those left behind is mixed with the joy of knowing their loved one is passing into Heaven.

The Pfac’s latest collection, “Las Artes de Mexico,” is well worth a visit.  It’s an artistic record of the history of a country.  The collection contains not only arresting and thought provoking artistry, but is a collection that is a reflection of the human expereience.   For details on this collection and the Peninsula Fine Arts Center’s hours, please see their web site http://www.pfac-va.org or call (757) 596-8275.