By Abdulla Al Dosari
Published on
A national heritage row has erupted between Mexico and Spain over 18 works by Frida Kahlo, which are set to move to Spain. This move follows Spanish bank Santander taking control of 160 out of 300 works by major Mexican artists from the Gelman Collection.
A transfer of the famous Mexican painter’s works to Spain has caused backlash in Mexico’s art world as the move would be against Mexican law, since works designated as being national artistic monuments can’t be permanently exported from Mexico.
Concerns started to grow when Daniel Vega Pérez, director of the Faro Santander museum, said in a statement to Spanish newspaper El País that there was “flexibility” in Mexican legislation that allowed for the easy renewal of exporting licenses. The director even suggested that Frida Kahlo’s artworks could see a permanent spot at the museum.
Nearly 400 Mexican artists, historians, and curators have signed an open letter in which they question the Mexican government over the lack of transparency regarding the move – specifically why Kahlo’s works were allowed for de-facto permanent export while other artists who have the same legal designation of their works are allowed for temporary leasing abroad.
The letter demands that the Mexican government clarify its position on the relocation of Kahlo’s artworks and provide open consultation on the future of her works, in order to foster “responsible use of artistic heritage and avoid creating legal loopholes and public uncertainty.”
President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo defended the arrangement, stating that authorities were acting within the law. As for minister of culture Claudia Curiel de Icaza, she stated that the collection “has not been sold and is only temporarily exhibited.” She said: “The collection is Mexican; it wasn’t sold – it’s only leaving temporarily.”
Santander also issued a statement emphasising that the deal “does not imply, under any circumstances, either the acquisition of the collection or its permanent removal from Mexico” and that the works “will return to Mexico at the end of the temporary export period”.
Santander further announced that the Faro Santander opening would be delayed from June to September at the Mexican government’s request.
Critics remain skeptical, however, as the postponement does not resolve the dispute, and reports indicate the Santander agreement runs until 2030 and can be extended by mutual consent.
All 18 artworks by Kahlo are still set to be sent to Spain in September. A return to Mexico is planned in 2028.