Art has been important to society for as long as modern history can remember. This is no different in the cities of Mexico, where famous artists such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera have been loved and revered over the past hundred years. Featuring bold, vibrant themes, bright colors, and deep cultural nuances, the art of Mexico leaves a lasting impression on anyone who views it.

The Histories of Mexican Art
The art of Mexico, and the pieces that have come from it, have early roots in pre-Columbian civilizations and are marked by influences from Spanish colonization, Mexican independence, and the Mexican Revolution.

Mesoamerican Art in Mexico
The beginning of the history of art in Mexico dates back to early civilizations such as the Incas, the Mayans, and the Aztecs.

Perhaps the most significant pieces to have come from these pre-Columbian civilizations are the Olmec heads of Mexico, which are a collection of 17 giant stone heads. The Olmecs are considered to be the first major Mesoamerican culture and are believed to have existed from 1200 to 400 B.C.

Alongside their Olmec contemporaries, the Mayans and the Aztecs built massive pyramids to honor their gods. The Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacán is one of the largest. Standing at over 200 feet tall, it is said to have been built between 1 and 250 A.D. and rivals the size of the Great Pyramid of Khufu in Giza.

Art from the Colonial Era
The arrival and conquest of the Spanish changed the landscape of Mexican art dramatically. With the Spanish ruling Mexico from 1521 to 1821, they brought many elements that shaped Mexican art, including their religion. This European-style influence seeped into the construction of buildings, as well as in popular art. Paintings of Christian symbols were not uncommon, especially with native Mexican symbols incorporated along their borders.

As the Mexicans won their independence in 1821, the shift in artistic expression began, and art glorified the heroes of their fight. This type of art was specifically created to separate Mexico from its colonial past and was redefined with distinct Mexican artistic identities.

Modern Mexican Art
Many specific art styles have risen out of Mexico’s past and have become modernized in the present. Using natural resources including clay, wood, metal, and stones to create pieces of art is prevalent in Mexico, particularly during the celebration of the Day of the Dead, which runs from October 31 to November 2. Many create sugar skulls that represent departed souls, and handmade masks are also important to Mexican culture, as well as ceramic art and more modern media, such as photography and cinema.

Viewing Art in Galleries in Mexico
The art of Mexico is seen as a mirror of its history, its culture, and its diversity. Whether it be from the main cities that populate the country or the small towns and villages that dot the landscape, the art of Mexico, and that seen in its galleries, is a reflection of the community’s commitment to creativity and cultural expression.

Some of the most popular galleries in Mexico can be found in Mexico City. These include not just The L Gallery and the RGR Gallery but also others such as GAM and the Aguafuerte Gallery. Many of these galleries have been standing for over fifty years and display some of the most important pieces of art that have come from the country and people of Mexico.

With its breathtaking cultural history, its beautiful landscapes, and the great innovation that comes as a result of the creativity of Mexico, viewing art in its galleries will leave a lasting impact on those who visit the cities. Visiting Mexico’s galleries offers an unforgettable journey through the nation’s rich history and vibrant artistic traditions, seamlessly blending the past with the present.