The former convent of the church of Santa Inés has been given over to the works of the modernist Mexican artist José Luis Cuevas. Cuevas´ creations are original and disturbing- some of his works are the products of trips to mental asylums where he used the inmates as models. The writer and philosopher Octavio Paz described his work as “a laugh like a howl, from the depths of time, from the depths of a child, every day José Luis draws our wounds.” Cuevas was part of the 1950s “Rupture Generation” of Mexican artists whose style was departing from the politicized mural school of Rivera, Orozco et al.

Entering the museum, you´ re faced with attractive red and stone arches which encircle a courtyard containing a huge sculpture of a bloated figure twisted into a curious position. Smaller versions are scattered throughout the museum in similar poses, many of them erotic, in drawings, paintings or sculptures. Anyone with an interest in the development of contemporary Mexican art will enjoy the permanent and temporary exhibitions on display, and children can have a giggle at the wacky sculptures. Once you´ ve finished looking at the art the beautiful courtyard is a great place to sit and take a breather, if you can ignore the blare of reggaeton from the street outside.

Location:
Academia 13, Centro Histórico
Mexico City, Mexico

Museum Types:
Art

Price Description: $2

Relative price: Budget

Open Hours from:10 a.m.

Open Hours to:6 p.m.

Days Closed:Monday

Travel Skills: None

Contact Information:
Zip: 06060
Phone: 55 22 01 56, 55 42 61 98
URL: museojoseluiscuevas.com.mx

By Lisa Rodan

Created: 10 Mar 2009

Updated: 10 Mar 2009