The art world is in turmoil in Mexico. Since the end of March, the project to transfer 160 out of the approximately 300 works from a prestigious 20th-century Mexican art collection to Spain, including pieces by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, has stirred controversy in the country.
Known as the “Gelman collection,” it is considered one of the largest collections of modern art in the country. Started in the 1940s by collectors Jacques and Natasha Gelman during the golden age of Mexican cinema, it passed through several hands, as reported by El País América.
According to the Mexican magazine Quién, the controversy escalated when it was announced that after its exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in Mexico, the famous collection would be temporarily transferred to Spain as part of an agreement with the Banco Santander Foundation, linked to the Spanish banking group of the same name. This announcement led about 400 culture professionals in Mexico to sign an open letter demanding more transparency about the operation, especially regarding the duration of the transfer.
Expected return “within two to three years” Given the magnitude of the controversy, the Banco Foundation is expected to return the collection to Mexico within two to three years.
