Major Painting by Alejandro Mario Yllanes Acquired by º¬Ðß²ÝÑо¿ÊÒ Museum of Art
The º¬Ðß²ÝÑо¿ÊÒ Museum of Art (BCMA) has acquired Estaño Maldito (Cursed Tin) (1937), an important painting by the Indigenous Bolivian artist Alejandro Mario Yllanes (1913-c.1960), and the first painting by this accomplished modernist to enter a museum in the United States. Executed after Bolivia’s defeat in the Chaco War, the work offers a scathing portrayal of the dire conditions faced by Indigenous miners in the nation’s lucrative tin industry. In addition to the painting, the Museum has also acquired Elegia (1944), a wood engraving by the artist reflecting his signature style. A socially conscious artist, Yllanes drew inspiration from Mexico’s muralists, especially Diego Rivera—who became a supporter and mentor—and he created a compelling and powerful body of work, including paintings and many works on paper, before he disappeared. It will soon go on view in the Museum’s galleries as part of the “Currents” installation that explores new ways of thinking about the Museum’s modern and contemporary art.
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