In a heated legal battle, activists are suing to prevent a collection of 20th-century Mexican art, including works by Frida Kahlo, from leaving the country. This controversy raises important questions about cultural heritage, ownership, and the role of governmental agencies in protecting national treasures. The lawsuit, filed by the advocacy group Defendamos la Colección Gelman, centers on the imminent international tour of the Gelman Santander Collection, which includes 161 works by renowned Mexican artists. The collection, once owned by Jewish émigré film producer Jacques Gelman and his wife Natasha Zahalka, is now under the partial ownership of the cement billionaire Zambrano family and managed by the Santander Bank Foundation. The activists argue that the export of these artworks, designated as 'artistic monuments', is being allowed too easily, despite strict statutes regarding their circulation. This disparity between the enforcement of laws for archaeological heritage and the lax approach to major artworks is a cause for concern. The lawsuit also questions the specifics of the Zambranos' purchase of the collection and the role of the executor of Natasha Zahalka's will, Robert Littman, who became both curator and owner of the collection, raising ethical and legal questions. The activists' concerns are further fueled by the government's refusal to disclose permits, agreements, and explanations, as well as political backlash and threats faced by the group. The case highlights the complex interplay between cultural heritage, ownership, and the responsibilities of governmental agencies in safeguarding national treasures. As the collection's public display comes to an end, the fate of these artworks hangs in the balance, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Mexico and beyond.
