PRIDE, determination and the wisdom of maturity are etched in the man’s face in one of my favourite photos displayed in the ‘Mexico, Country of Colours’ exhibition, ongoing at the National Gallery on Vlissingen Road. 

As a special touch, most of the photos in the gallery are accompanied by excerpts from the verses of celebrated Mexican poets of pre-Hispanic times from the 15th Century to the Present-Day, which capture the mood of the images. The text next to the aforementioned one reads: “Allow the petals of your heart to open up and walk on high,” and is by Gus Cuahtzin Tepechpan.

The exhibition is a stunning complement to the local activities that were taking place throughout September month, as Guyanese of all races enjoyed Amerindian Heritage Month.

The collection of thirty photographs by Ricardo Espinosa celebrates the landscapes, people, architecture, and cultural practices of Mexico, and marks the country’s celebration of its 203rd Anniversary of Independence, celebrated on September 16 each year.
The photos depict wide vistas, studies of nature, and especially captivating, rich, colour details of indigenous and folk costume.

The collection was presented by the Embassy of Mexico, in conjunction with the National Gallery and with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico and the Mexican Agency for International Cooperation.

This exhibition has been seen in several other parts of the world, including in Bangkok, Shanghai, Sydney, and Singapore, as well as in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Jamaica and Barbados.

The collection will continue to be open to the public until Saturday, 12th October. The gallery is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm, and on Saturday from 2 to 6pm; it is closed on Sundays and holidays. Admission is free.