The Embassy of Mexico and the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts (JNGFA), under the patronage of H.R.H. Princess Wijdan Al-Hashemi, opened the exhibition "Tales in Clay: From Mexico to Jordan / Mata Ortiz: Modern Artistry Crossing Ancient Cultures” at the JNGFA.

The exhibition features a selection of 22 handcrafted pottery pieces created by master artisans from Mata Ortiz, a small village in the state of Chihuahua in northern Mexico, representing three generations of artists. The village is renowned for reviving an ancient pottery tradition inspired by the nearby archaeological site of Paquimé, part of the late Mogollon cultural complex. Among the highlights is a work by Juan Quezada, who started this artistic tradition in the mid-1970s.

Mata Ortiz has become a global reference in contemporary pottery, renowned for its refined techniques, exceptional craftsmanship, and innovative reinterpretation of ancestral designs. Its enduring success rests on an unwavering commitment to quality and artistic excellence—principles that continue to guide the work of Mata Ortiz potters, who are now recognized among Mexico’s leading contemporary artists on the international stage.

The exhibition features master potters Ángel César Bugarini Soto, Laura Bugarini, Paula Gallegos Bugarini, Héctor Gallegos Jr., Karla López Cota, Luly Lucero, Betty Quezada, Israel Sandoval, Laura Janet Silveira Pedregón, Tavo Silveira Sandoval, and Elfida Tena Muñoz—among the most distinguished artists in the field. Their work blends a modern aesthetic with deep continuity, as if the artistic legacy of northern Mexico’s early peoples had flowed seamlessly from pre-Columbian times to today. Their pieces are part of prominent collections and have been exhibited in renowned galleries and museums both in Mexico and abroad.

During the opening ceremony, Mexican Ambassador Jacob Prado emphasized that the exhibition offers an important opportunity to strengthen cultural cooperation and reinforce the bonds of friendship between Mexico and Jordan, countries that this year celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations. He also noted that the exhibition serves as a platform to showcase the richness of Mexico’s artistic traditions and promote the work of Mexican artists and artisans.

The opening ceremony brought together H.R.H. Princess Wijdan Al-Hashemi; JNGFA Director Khaled Khreis; Mexican master artisans Laura Bugarini and Héctor Gallegos Jr.; representatives from the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, which sponsored the exhibition; members of the diplomatic corps; artists, artisans, faculty and art