Carlos Mérida (1891-1984), Guatemalan artist, He stood out for the creation of modernist abstract art, by merging elements of Latin American culture with European painting. After his death, the legacy of his work has endured in the cultural scene.
Mérida presented her first art exhibition at age 19. However, this was just the beginning of a career that led him to countries such as France and Mexico, among others, according to various international media.
Despite that tour of other countries, their Guatemalan roots were reflected in part of their work. Thanks to that cultural impact, The National Museum of Modern Art bears his name. However, this enclosure has temporarily closed its doors. In addition, Mérida’s work has not been exhibited in several years, according to María Cristina Navas, granddaughter of the painter.
Recently, local sources reported that the museum could lose the collection of works by Carlos Mérida. Next, it is explained what currently happens with this work and What are the possible future scenarios for your exhibitionas discussed with Navas and with the Directorate of Communication and Cultural Dissemination of the MCD.
What currently happens with Carlos Mérida’s work?
Navas explains that the donation of the entire graphic work of Mérida was made by means of an agreement with the MCD, with the purpose of being exhibited in the artist’s native country. This agreement was signed in 2000, during the administration of Otilia Lux de Cotí as Minister of Culture.
Since then, the family has faced various impediments to exhibit the work as agreed with the Ministry, says Navas. With the passage of time, different directors of the museum prioritized other types of exhibitions instead of Mérida’s work, he adds.
According to Navas, he had agreed that the museum would have a permanent room dedicated to Carlos Mérida, in which his work would be shown, as well as other graphic elements that would allow a tour of his life and trajectory: his birth and death certificate, brushes, diplomas and other objects that she considers valuable to spread the artist’s legacy.
Navas also states His concern for the state of the work and what this implies, since he considers that he could be deteriorating due to inappropriate storage. He explains that there are specific conservation techniques and methods to maintain the pieces in good condition.
What could happen to the work?
Navas states that he will exhaust all possible resources for the work to be exhibited: “I prefer a bad arrangement than a good lawsuit,” he says. However, if not reaching an agreement, it would resort to legal instances to make effective the clause of the agreement stipulating the return of the work in case of non -compliance.
Clarify that Its purpose is not to legally act, but achieve an arrangement that benefits the work, beyond personal or institutional interests. As for the MCD, its Directorate of Cultural Communication and Dissemination communicated Free press They feel understanding for the situation:
“We understand the concern of the citizenship and family of the teacher Carlos Mérida for the current situation of the museum and the limited access to his work. From the Ministry of Culture and Sports we reiterate our commitment to the preservation, exhibition and value of the national heritage,” they express.
They add that they have the responsibility of the conservation of the legacy of modernist art in Guatemala, which includes the artistic and history of the twentieth century, as well as the development of Guatemalan art in that century and the contemporary movements of the late twentieth century and the beginning of the XXI. This process, they point out, is usually complex.
“Therefore, it is important to guarantee the conservation of both the property and the collection; in that sense, the enlightenment of the museum is being supervised and improved, being a process that entails time and a lot of responsibility,” they conclude.
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When will the reopening of the National Museum of Modern Art?
The authorities explain that the reopening is subject to compliance with various administrative and technical phases that are in execution in accordance with current regulations, in addition to other museum processes. However, A specific date was not indicated.
As for the dialogue with Navas, the MCD reiterates that it has maintained communication channels open with it: “In that framework, clear responses have been given about the current administrative processes, as well as the institutional plans oriented to the preservation, research and dissemination of the artist’s work,” they indicate.
They also ensure that they comply with the protection and conservation of the documentary, photographic and artistic collection of the teacher Carlos Mérida. However, it is still unknown what the final arrangement between both parties will be, since this is in process.