WHAT? Jose Maria Velasco - A View of Mexico 

WHERE? The National Gallery, Sunley Room, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN

WHEN? Now until 17th August 

WHY GO? To feel the force of nature.  Famed for representing the real Mexico, right down to every last hill, cactus tree and valley, Velasco’s monumental paintings provide a realistic record of sweeping landscapes that have now slowly changed with the growth of industrialisation. 

Over a period of fifty years, from the 1870’s onwards, Velasco was Mexico’s most eminent artist and though still famous in his home country, he is little known in Europe today. 

Velasco was ahead of the curve as a conservationist through his paintings. He was also a botanist, naturalist and geologist and would be keenly admired at Kew for his knowledge of the plants and fauna of Mexico which he depicted in all his compositions. It could be argued that he was the ‘Turner’ of Mexican landscapes. 

Art and science unite in this small show of 30 paintings and drawings steeped in tradition. His work has weathered decades of social change and provides a record of the raw natural beauty of Mexico.  Just don’t expect colourful images of carnivals and Mariachi bands, this is a serious show!

There are no Velasco paintings in any UK public gallery, providing this as a unique opportunity to view his Mexico far removed from the garish cocktail bars of Cancun or Acapulco. 

Hasta la vista!

IN THE KNOW After his death in 1912, Velasco’s work fell out of fashion and it was due to the influence of the great Diego Rivera (husband of Frida Kahlo ) that his name was once again championed in cultural circles. Rivera was taught by Velasco as a student at the onset of his career and much admired his tutor.