Constructing Tamayo

https://www.nhgazette.com/2025/02/01/frysltvz The aim of this exhibition was to present a historiographical review of the artist’s early work (1922 – 1937) and his contemporaries. It was presented in 5 themed areas, which showed Tamayo’s art work related to artistic education after the Mexican Revolution like the Best Maugard Method and the Schools of Outdoor Painting; as well as the aesthetic applications regarding the daily object and the human body in the visual and material culture of Mexico in this period; and his application of painting as analysis and critique for arts and politics.

The exhibition design was elaborated with the interpretation of the “seven basic characteristic elements of the native art” according to the drawing method implemented by Adolfo Best Maugard. Using this element as a foundation, we created zigzag modules to organize the artwork diagonally to enable the dialogue of the pieces in four different ways: Create a warm and intimate atmosphere that seems to “hug” the visitors. Emphasize and activate the gaze to groups of paintings. Organize the artwork in “conversations” to strengthen the curatorial discourse. Establish a direct relationship with the artwork, more human, more active.

The Project was awarded the Miguel Covarrubias National Prize by the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia for the best exhibition design in 2014.