A Legacy Reclaimed: Mexican Art's Journey to Global Shores
The Return of a Lost Treasure: Banco Santander's Role in Unveiling the Gelman Collection
Banco Santander recently disclosed its new role in overseeing approximately half of the Gelman Collection, a significant compilation of Mexican art from the 20th century. This collection, which includes invaluable pieces, had largely disappeared from public exhibition since 2008, sparking considerable interest and discussion in the art world.
Unraveling the Collection's Past: From Private Hands to International Stewardship
The Madrid-based banking institution now manages about 160 works from the original 300 pieces gathered by notable art patrons Jacques and Natasha Gelman. Following their passing, the collection's journey became complex, with reports indicating its division and distribution to various international museums, a move that deviated from the Gelmans' wish for it to remain intact within a private Mexican museum. For over a decade, the collection's whereabouts remained largely unknown, with only occasional appearances of its artworks in foreign institutions.
A New Home in Spain: The Faro Santander Cultural Center
The collection is slated to become a central feature of the new Faro Santander cultural center, scheduled to open in June. This exhibition is the result of a long-term loan agreement between Santander and the Zambrano family, a prominent Mexican business family identified as the current owners of the previously unlocated collection. This arrangement has, however, ignited a discussion in Mexico regarding the appropriateness of such a nationally significant art collection being held in private hands and displayed abroad.
Preserving Heritage: The Legal Framework and Future of Mexican Masterpieces
Many artworks within the collection, particularly those by renowned artists like José Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Frida Kahlo, are designated as Artistic Monuments under Mexican law. This status typically restricts their export with temporary licenses valid for one to two years. Despite these regulations, the Santander Foundation will house and exhibit these works in Spain.
Navigating International Waters: Customs, Conservation, and Cross-Border Collaboration
Daniel Vega Pérez, director of the Faro Santander, affirmed the institution's commitment to fulfilling all customs obligations and responsibilities. He emphasized the flexible legal framework and the ongoing dialogue with Mexico’s National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (INBAL) to ensure a smooth process. Vega Pérez noted that temporary export licenses could be extended through INBAL's decision, viewing the regular return of the artworks to Mexico as a procedural formality. While no immediate plans exist for exhibiting the collection in Mexico, there are future intentions for this. The collection's presence at Faro Santander, he stated, will be continuous and dynamic, always evolving for public engagement.