Introduction to the FEMSA Collection and its Significance
The FEMSA Collection, regarded as one of the most important private art collections in Latin America, will commemorate its 50th anniversary with the grand exhibition “Constellations and Derivations: Latin American Art from the FEMSA Collection,” set to be displayed at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Monterrey (MARCO) in March 2026.
The Evolution of the FEMSA Collection
Since Gerardo Murillo, Dr. Atl’s “El maizal (Milpa seca)” in 1977, the collection has grown to include over 1,320 works by 786 artists, including iconic figures from the 20th century like Diego Rivera, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, Lygia Clark, David Alfaro Siqueiros, José Clemente Orozco, Francisco Toledo, Pedro Friedeberg, Juan Soriano, María Izquierdo, and others. The collection also features contemporary artists such as Gabriel Orozco, Betsabeé, Romero, Flor Garduño, Graciela Iturbide, and Jorge Méndez Blake.
“Constellations and Derivations” Exhibition Details
The exhibition, featuring around 170 works – one of which is a commissioned piece by Argentine artist Ad Minoliti, will be open to the public from March 20 to August 9, 2026. It aims to present new interpretations of this corporate collection through diverse perspectives and explorations that have shaped Latin American art during the 20th and 21st centuries.
Paulina Bravo, the Chief Curator of the FEMSA Collection, explains that the exhibition moves away from single and linear narratives to activate connections between works, eras, and geographies. This approach reveals the multiplicity of languages and perspectives that traverse Latin American art, inviting viewers to think beyond national or chronological categories.
Eugenia Braniff, Associate Curator and Advisor for the FEMSA Collection and Biennial, adds: “Constellations and Derivations will be the most extensive public presentation of works from the FEMSA Collection in Mexico. This exhibition allows for the rediscovery of pieces by great Latin American artists in dialogue with others acquired over 50 years, inviting a broader and deeper understanding of Latin American art.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the FEMSA Collection? The FEMSA Collection is a private art collection considered one of the most important in Latin America, featuring over 1,320 works by more than 786 artists.
- What is the “Constellations and Derivations” exhibition about? This exhibition presents new interpretations of the FEMSA Collection, highlighting diverse perspectives and explorations that have shaped Latin American art during the 20th and 21st centuries.
- Who are the curators of this exhibition? Paulina Bravo, Chief Curator of the FEMSA Collection, and Eugenia Braniff, Associate Curator and Advisor for the FEMSA Collection and Biennial.
- What makes this exhibition significant? The exhibition celebrates 50 years of the FEMSA Collection and honors its founders’ vision, ensuring that Latin American art remains accessible to all.
The Itinerant Nature of the FEMSA Collection
Since 2000, the FEMSA Collection has adopted an itinerant character, expanding its presence through collaborations with museums and organizations from various regions. This characteristic has contributed to the openness, collaboration, and mobility that distinguish it from other private art collections.
FEMSA’s Commitment to the Arts
For over 135 years, FEMSA has maintained a commitment to the arts, recognizing the profound impact culture has on community development. The “Constellations and Derivations” exhibition represents five decades of work, dedication, and support for Latin American artists while sharing the diversity of their artistic production.
Laura Pacheco, Manager of Collection and Biennial FEMSA, states: “This exhibition is not just the culmination of five decades of work but also a tribute to those who founded the collection, seeking to recognize Latin American talent and ensure art remains accessible to everyone. As we embark on the next 50 years of our vision to bring art to a larger audience, we are excited to share this diverse collection.”
Public Program Accompanying the Exhibition
The exhibition will be complemented by a public program that expands the research themes of the show through various activities, including conferences, talks, activations, and workshops.
