Infinitas Gracias: Mexican miracle paintings @ Wellcome Collection

Visited 28.01.2012

A poignant collection of Mexican 'Votives', drawn from 5 collections around Mexico City. Generally painted on plaques, pieces of tin and even roof tiles the votive paintings tell intensely personal stories ranging from domestic arguments to revolutionary violence. Giving thanks and prayers for help, this collection of Votives explore human reactions to crisis and the importance of faith in peoples lives. 

I found that I was particularly effected by the number of votives thanking God for an individuals survival after a shooting or being run over. Modern crisis' being dealt with through archaic tradition. 

This collection of Mexican miracle paintings is a must see, influences of such works can be seen in the work of Diego Revera and Freda Kahlo, who are avid collectors of Votives. A long established tradition, still so relevant in contemporary art practice.