Leo Matiz exhibition about Mexico

“From the authentic Mexico, I had the courage to show something that no longer exists. It is a Mexico, for the most part, disappeared, hence those images have great power and truth,” these were the words with which the Colombian photographer Leo Matiz (1917-1988) referred to his work.

The quote is part of the exhibition "Leo Matiz: el muralista de la lente " (Leo Matiz: the muralist of the lens), which will present as of June 14 in the Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso in Mexico City the relation the artist had with the Mexican muralist movement and especially with José Clemente Orozco.

Matiz was also a draftsman, painter, cartoonist and gallery owner who developed a great part of his career in Mexico, explained Ery Camara , coordinator of exhibitions in San Ildefonso and curator of the display, along with the Leo Matiz Foundation.

The exhibition, comprised of 81 pieces , shows architectural, scenic and rural details in which light plays to create natural contrasts. It also displays Mexican figures like María Felix, Agustín Lara, and Joaquín Pardavé , as well as the relation between Matiz and Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Orozco.

The exhibition focuses on Matiz's stay in Mexico (1941-1947) and is divided into thematic cores: the beginning of his passion for photography, his affinity with the intellectual and artistic scene, his approach to daily life, and his relation with Orozco.

It will be open until September 17 and is part of the activities to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Matiz.

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