Exhibit of Mexican art is coming to Union Station

A major collection of modern Mexican art will open at Union Station next month in a free exhibit arranged with the support of the Consulate of Mexico in Kansas City.

“Visions of Mexican Art” will consist of 55 paintings, drawings, sculptures and photographs by prominent artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. They are part of the Mexican government’s Heritage Archive and its “payment in kind” program in which artists donate their work in lieu of taxes.

It is only the second time Union Station has staged an art exhibit, following a showing of Andy Warhol pieces in 2009.

This exhibit is being presented by the Kansas City Museum, which has begun an initiative to collect Kansas City’s Latino history.

“Visions of Mexican Art” will be previewed Sept. 15-16 for people attending Expo Americas, which highlights Hispanic businesses, culture and products. The art exhibit will be in the Power & Light Gallery and will open to the general public Sept. 18 and run Tuesdays through Sundays until Nov. 11.

Alicia Kerber, the new consul of Mexico in Kansas City, attended Tuesday’s announcement of the new exhibit, which she said will foster friendship and promote understanding between the U.S. and Mexico.

“With this exhibit, we hope to project a more current and accurate picture of today’s Mexico, a culture of ancient origin but at the same time alive, vibrant and at the forefront of a new artistic movement.”