One of the key figures of patronage in the twentieth century was undoubtedly Edward James, Owner of the most important surrealist collection of his time. Therefore, it is no accident that the first museum dedicated to this character has opened its doors recently in Xilitla.
The support that James gave to artists as Salvador Dalí, René Magritte and Leonora Carrington It was fundamental for its trajectories. In addition, it was the brand new creator of the surreal garden of The poolsone of the places with the greatest influx in Mexico, since its architecture, environment and natural beauty surprise each spectator.
Thus, interested in knowing more than Edward James's work And keep your legacy alive, we talked with Antonio García AcostaMuseum director, who told us all about the experience of living it in Xilitla.
Edward James was key in the career of Salvador Dalí, René Magritte and Leonora Carrington.Courtesy Edward James Museum
AD: At the end of last year, the James center announced the opening of the first museum dedicated to Edward James, creator of the Las Pozas Surreal Garden, what does it feel to be part of this project?
Antonio García Acosta: It is an honor for me to be the director of First museum dedicated to Edward Jamessince this space contributes to conserve the memory of a key figure of modern art. James had the most important surrealist collection in his time and thanks to him the races of Salvador Dalí, Pavel Tchelitchew, among others, had great advantages. He was the first to publish John Betjeman, and he himself was a writer. Finally, he is the visionary behind the surreal garden, practically, unique in its kind.
AD: We know that this museum was the result of the Plutarco Gastélum Llazares initiative and Mexican businessman Mario César Ramírez, what relationship did they have with Edward James?
AG: Plutarco Gastélum Esquer was intimate friend and administrator of James over several decades. James went and went, spending time in the United States, Europe and many other places, from where he sent letters, photographs and postcards to feed the sculptural garden project. The Gastélum were their adoptive family in Mexico, so today they are the heirs of their legacy and thanks to them it is possible to have many of the museum's pieces.