In 1565, the first galleon left the Philippines for the maiden voyage across the Pacific Ocean to Mexico. Taking four months to complete, the ship called into ports along the way, picking up and dropping off cargo for trade across the Spanish empire. After its stop in China, the vessel set sail for Acapulco filled with porcelain, silk, lacquerware and spices. In Acapulco, the goods were transported across land to Veracruz, where they were added to the treasure fleets, bound for sale in the mother country and across Europe. Historically, this maritime route is recognized as the first time that trade became truly global.
These ships were an inspiration for Mexican artist Max Sanz, whose series of works will be shown this month, organized through the Consulate General of Mexico. The collection is named La Nao de China or ‘The China Ship,’ after what the galleons became known as in his country.
While doing historical research to see if there was some kind of relationship between Mexico and China, Sanz says he was “surprised to find the ancient galleon and the maritime route.” He decided to make what he describes as a “visual narrative about the travels of the China Ship, where fantastic beings populated the canvas.” By drawing from his childhood interest in maritime myths and delving into stories of dragons and sirens from the time of the galleons, Sanz connects history with the fantastical.
Each of the pieces pairs a representative creature of one myth with elements of the journey. Monkeys, elephants, bearded fish and bird-headed women evoke the mystery and fear which accompanied the exploration of strange lands. Some of the bizarre beasts have a circus feel, which Sanz explains is “a recurring theme in my work.” They pose and swim through backgrounds composed of calligraphy, currency and Chinese textile prints germane to the time. Phrases encapsulating the myth and names of ports of call are stamped, crate-like, across the pieces.
While the works pull on elements of the international nature of the journey, Sanz stuck close to home with his choice of color. “It is a reflection of where I am from originally,” he explains. “My home state is Oaxaca de Juarez, in the south of Mexico, a state full of traditional pictorials and full of colors in every part.”
The Manila Galleons connected the outposts of the Spanish empires for 250 years and trade with Ming dynasty China was a lucrative source of revenue. But it was not just financial gain; the cultural exchange between previously unknown lands was of equal significance. Sanz hopes that now, his work can also act as a “bridge between the two countries.”
// April 25-May 25. Guangzhou Museum of Art, 13 Luhu Lu, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou 广州市越秀区麓湖路13号文化科普园内 (020-8365 9355)
0 User Comments