An exhibition celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mexico and the People’s Republic of China

In February 1972, Mexican officials and the People’s Republic of China established diplomatic relations. This forty years collaboration – in the fields of politics, economy, culture, education, and tourism among others – dramatically enhanced the understanding between these two thousand-years-old civilizations.

In order to celebrate this relationship, the Consulate General of Mexico in Shanghai worked hand in hand with Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern art, which will hold the exhibition entitled “The Magic of the Mexican Stamp” from 14th to 28th February 2012. All the artworks that compose the collection have officially been donated to the Shanghai Duolun MoMA, which in a way stand for Mexican people’s gift to Chinese people in tribute to their traditional friendship.

The art of stamp in Mexico has been created by the ideals of a strong commitment of social loyalty, civil responsibility and freedom. This medium has developed throughout the years a wide variety of discursive strategies with a deep social impact since it was published in newspapers, books, spread out in flyers or attached to a wall as a poster. This exhibition is the result of the effort of the Mexican Stamp National Museum , the National Institute of Fine Arts, and other institutions from Mexico, which wanted to commemorate the Bicentennial of the Independence of Mexico and the Centennial of the Mexican Revolution. All the artworks in this exhibition intertwine persuasively the spirit of this period of turmoil with its artistic accomplishments.

“The Magic of the Mexican Stamp” gathers artworks created by 52 significant contemporary artists from Mexico. Each print is available in editions of 100, measures up to 120 x 140 centimeters, and is signed and numbered. Before they were created, it has been suggested to use black ink and high quality printing technique for it echoes and celebrates the symbolism of collective memory of Mexican history.

As a governmental museum specialized in contemporary art, the Shanghai Duolun MoMA considers “originality, academic and internationalism” as its guideline. With farsighted vision and open mindedness, the Duolun MoMA aims to make a due contribution to the development of contemporary art in the world. This time through the commemorative exhibition “The Magic of the Mexican Stamp”, we hope to make the Chinese audience understand better Mexican society, culture and art by inviting them to participate in a deep and rich visual experience. In truth such artistic dialogue remains crucial inasmuch as it deepens unceasingly China and Mexico mutual friendship.