Art lovers in London are in for a treat, as the National Gallery launches an inspiring new initiative as part of its NG200 celebrations.
For the first time, visitors will have the chance to pay what they like to experience the critically acclaimed exhibition José María Velasco: A View of Mexico. Every Friday from 10am to 9pm, until 17 August, you can book a ticket for as little as £1 to immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind showcase.
A Historic First for the National Gallery
This initiative marks the first time the National Gallery has offered ‘Pay What You Wish’ access throughout the entire day on Fridays for one of its ticketed exhibitions. Previously, this scheme ran only during evening hours for blockbuster exhibitions like Lucian Freud, Frans Hals, and After Impressionism. Now, it’s available all day, giving more people the opportunity to experience the art of José María Velasco, one of Mexico’s most celebrated 19th-century painters.
The exhibition, which is the first UK monographic display dedicated to Velasco and the Gallery’s first-ever show centred on a historical Latin American artist, coincides with two significant milestones. It celebrates the 200th anniversary of UK–Mexico diplomatic relations and is part of the NG200 festivities, commemorating the Gallery’s bicentenary. Velasco’s masterpieces embody a unique cultural and historical perspective, offering a fresh addition to the Gallery’s longstanding tradition of showcasing global art beyond Europe.
Who Was José María Velasco?
José María Velasco (1840–1912) is a colossal figure in Mexican art, known for his extraordinary depictions of the Valley of Mexico. His monumental landscapes, painted during a period of rapid industrialisation and social change, vividly capture Mexico’s natural beauty while reflecting the nation’s transformation.
Velasco’s works balance precision and lyricism, showcasing majestic mountains, sunlit valleys, and evidence of modernisation. Despite his significant influence during his lifetime, Velasco is not widely known outside Mexico today. This exhibition, featuring 30 paintings and drawings (including 17 works from Mexico City’s Museo Nacional de Arte), offers a rare chance for UK audiences to engage with his legacy.
Spanning over 50 years of his career, the display explores Velasco’s diverse interests and influences. It’s divided into six thematic sections, touching on everything from Mexico’s natural world to concerns about ecological change.
Linking Velasco to the Gallery’s Collection
Visitors are also encouraged to draw connections between Velasco’s work and other pieces within the National Gallery’s collection. For instance, Édouard Manet’s The Execution of Maximilian adds a European perspective to themes of colonialism, political upheaval, and modernity, which mirror subjects Velasco explored in his own work.
By juxtaposing these pieces, the exhibition invites reflection on the broader 19th-century dialogue among artists worldwide as they grappled with profound cultural and environmental shifts.
Art That Resonates Beyond Borders
The exhibition isn’t just an introduction to Velasco’s art; it’s a thoughtful exploration of humanity’s relationship with the environment, a theme that feels strikingly relevant today. From the rise of industry to the impact of modernity on nature, Velasco’s works provide a lens through which to consider urgent ecological and cultural questions.
This exhibition continues the National Gallery’s decade-long commitment to expanding British audiences’ appreciation for art from beyond Europe. Following acclaimed exhibitions on Winslow Homer, George Bellows, and Australia’s Impressionists, this latest display builds on that successful strategy.
How to Experience the Exhibition
A visit to José María Velasco: A View of Mexico promises to be both enriching and accessible. Pay What You Wish tickets can be booked online, by phone, or in person, on a first-come, first-served basis. Whether you’re paying £1 or a more generous amount, this initiative ensures that this landmark exhibition can be enjoyed by as many people as possible.
For those unable to attend in London, the exhibition will travel to the Minneapolis Institute of Art later this year, where it will be curated by Valéria Piccoli. However, the opportunity to experience Velasco’s art within the historic rooms of the National Gallery is not to be missed.
Don’t Miss This Unique Opportunity
José María Velasco: A View of Mexico is a celebration of a visionary artist whose work resonates across cultures, centuries, and continents. From his compelling landscapes to the timely themes of industrialisation and environmental change, Velasco’s artistry is more relevant than ever.
Join the National Gallery in making history. Secure your Pay What You Wish ticket now and discover a painter whose legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
For more details, visit nationalgallery.org.uk.