GUANAJUATO, MEXICO.- Crucial episodes such as expulsion of Jesuits from Guanajuato in the middle of 18th century, as well as their educative and evangelizing labor in Mexico are revived at the exhibition “Jesuits: Life and Expulsion from New Spain”, opened in August 7th 2009 in Guanajuato Art and History Museum.
The violent expulsion of Jesuits from New Spain territory in 1757 caused discontent that proceeded Independence thoughts in Mexico, being the Society precursor of a social change ideology that would not be based in human exploitation.
National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) general director, Alfonso de Maria y Campos remarked this at the inauguration of the exhibition integrated by 65 pieces part of the National Museum of Viceroyalty heap, which promotes knowledge regarding Jesuits in Guanajuato in one of the states where the Independence struggle gestated.
“Two concrete ideas preceded the origin of Insurgent movement, Bourbonic Reforms and Jesuit Order expulsion. This exhibition gives continuity to Independence Bicentennial celebrations, since first conspiracies began in 1809”.
Within this framework, INAH and Guanajuato State Government remodel museums in the Independence Route such as “Alhondiga de Granaditas” Guanajuato Regional Museum, in Guanajuato, “Casa de Hidalgo” Museum in Dolores and “La Francia Chiquita” Museum in San Felipe Torres Mochas.
Parting from an important selection of Colonial documents and objects, the show organized by INAH testifies development of the Society in Europe, Asia and America and their evangelizing labor in New Spain during 16th century.
Amelia Chavez Padilla, director of Guanajuato Art and History Museum remarked the importance of Jesuits in Guanajuato, their educative work and imaginary imported from Europe.
Alma Montero, who was curator with Luis Serrano Espinoza of the exhibition, explained that “expulsion of Jesuits from Guanajuato was one of the most dramatic and violent events, as well as their exit from Patzcuaro, Michoacan, because communities opposed strongly to their eviction”.
The exhibition is integrated by 65 Colonial pieces, among them sculptures, oils and documents. 50 of them are part of the National Museum of Viceroyalty, 4 paintings are from the Society of Jesus Mexican Province Historical Archive, 2 large format paintings from the University of Guanajuato, and the rest of the work belongs to private collections.
“Jesuits: Life and Expulsion from New Spain” programmed to be exhibited in Casa de Chihuahua Museum, is open at Guanajuato Art and History Museum until November 8th 2009 at Guanajuato Cultural Forum, 308 Prolongacion Calzada de los Heroes Ave., Leon, Guanajuato.
