Uruguay Is Reflected in Its Art

Abstract

Founded by a decree in 1911, the National Museum of Visual Arts of Uruguay was officially opened in 1914. Currently, the Museum has about 7,000 works that make it a remarkable place as it combines the features of a Museum of Fine Arts, a Museum of Modern Art and those of a Museum of Contemporary Art. Different exhibitions the Museum organizes pay homage to Uruguay’s rich artistic heritage by exposing visitors to the work of such renowned artists as Petrona Viera and Carlos Páez Vilaró, Juan Manuel Blanes and Pedro Figari. It was around 1850 that Uruguayan painters truly discovered the national artistic style, which at the time had a strong European influence. The state has always played a key role in supporting aspiring artists and promoting Uruguay’s cultural heritage by helping organize exhibitions by Uruguayan artists throughout the country and abroad. One of the greatest things about the National Museum of Visual Arts is that Uruguay is reflected in its art. In addition, the museum’s collection includes outstanding works from different countries, especially those by Latin American artists.

Keywords

• national museum of visual arts
• uruguayan art
• visual arts
• history of uruguay
• latin american art