“A Través de los Ojos de Rusia” (Through the Eyes of Russia), a collection of contemporary paintings, sculptures, matryoshka dolls and textiles which features the work of expats of Russian heritage, is on display at the Museo de las Artes Populares de Jalisco until Friday, March 9.
Artists with work in the show include Yanina V. Pinchuk, Masha Vinigradova and Nina Diakova, all part of the Russian community in Guadalajara.
The museum, which specializes in handicrafts, is probably the perfect spot to showcase these charming pieces, which occupy one large salon in this two-story building in the historical center of Guadalajara a few blocks north of the main cathedral. (The permanent display in the institution consists of 600 works related to music, charrería, or horsemanship, and the state’s ethnic traditions, such as ceramics, textiles and cooking.)
“Through the Eyes of Russia” is part of a larger cycle of concerts, conferences, etc. focusing on that country. At the exhibition’s Friday opening, the honorary Russian consul pointed out that Russian culture consists of more than the stereotypical vodka and matryoshka (nesting) dolls.
The consul also took the opportunity to remind tapatíos that Russia will be the site of the 2018 World Cup — always wildly popular here. Sadly, for financial reasons, Mexico had to withdraw its bid to host this year’s World Cup. If the idea was that Mexicans can lick their wounds by brushing up on Russian culture, it seems unlikely that proud tapatíos will avail themselves of such a remedy, although they can certainly enjoy this appealing exhibition.
“A Través de los Ojos de Rusia,” Museo de las Artes Populares de Jalisco, San Felipe 211, corner of Pino Suárez, Colonia Centro, Guadalajara. Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Mondays. (33) 3030 9779. Free entrance.