An artistic journey in Mexico Pavilion

The Mexico Pavilion exhibits some of the country's most valuable pieces of art to explain its long and vibrant history

Artwork and exhibits at the Mexico Pavilion are as varied and enticing as the country's long history. Contemporary artwork created by Mexican artists and relics from ancient civilizations are the attractions at the pavilion, enticing visitors to learn more about the country's history and development.

With a theme of "Living Better - History and Future", the 4,000-square-meter pavilion takes visitors on a journey through a mini Mexico, from Mayan civilization to modern day.

Thirty different artworks are on show, with many of these being exhibited in China for the first time.

"We want to show visitors the development and history of Mexico to give them a true feeling of life in this country," said Eduardo Seldner, commissioner general of the Mexico Pavilion.

Self-Portrait with Monkey by contemporary artist Frida Kahlo is said to be the most valuable artwork on exhibit in the pavilion, according to Seldner. The portrait is valued at about US$8 million.

Kahlo was a key figure in the women's right's movement in Mexico and her works feature Mexican indigenous elements.

"Kahlo's work represents the development of contemporary civilization in Mexico," said Seldner.

Presentations of typical city life are also shown through the Mexican art on exhibit.

Sixteen pieces created by Mexican sculptor Javier Marin titled Little Men and Little Women are on display in a hall that focuses on showing public places as meeting points for all kinds of people.

The sculptures, created by Marin in 2000, are made of resin, bronze and polyester.

Marin's works are appreciated by Pearl Lam, founder of the Contrast Gallery in Shanghai, for their "expressiveness and the combination of materials".

Forty masks are also on display in the pavilion, opposite Marin's sculptures. When visitors look into the masks, they can see public places in Mexico, experiencing life in the country through the eyes of a Mexican. Each mask shows a different view of modern Mexico to allow visitors to see a range of scenes of the country.

There is also an exhibit on the Mayan civilization in the introduction hall to introduce Mexico's long history to visitors.