East Asia & Latin America: A Pacific History Exhibition at Mexico City’s Colegio de San Ildefonso

The exhibition titled Somos Pacífico: El mundo que emergió del trópico at the Colegio de San Ildefonso in Mexico City highlights the historical ties between East Asia and Latin America, particularly through the lens of the Manila galleon trade route. This ambitious showcase brings together artifacts and artworks that illustrate the cultural and commercial connections that have evolved since the colonial era to the present day.

Launched to coincide with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Singapore, the exhibition features pieces loaned from Singapore, connecting the past to current geopolitical dynamics. The Manila galleon trade, which operated from 1565 until 1815, is recognized as the first truly global mercantile network, linking Asia, Europe and the Americas via a 15,000-mile route.

The galleon trade not only transported goods such as silk, porcelain, and spices from Asia to the Americas but also brought precious metals, particularly silver from Mexico, back to Asia. This exchange shaped the economies and cultures on both sides of the Pacific, making the legacy of the galleon route an essential part of both regions’ histories.

The Historical Significance of the Galleon Trade

The exhibition encapsulates the complex dynamics of the Manila galleon trade, which was a remarkable feat of naval engineering and logistics. As noted by lead curator Clement Onn, it was the longest regularly attempted maritime passage of its time, often taking up to six months to traverse the Pacific. The galleons were designed for durability and capacity, allowing them to carry a diverse cargo that included not just goods, but also cultural exchanges.

Among the artifacts displayed are large Chinese vases known as tibors and temblorosas—saucers with attached cups for drinking chocolate, which was immensely popular in Mexico. The exhibit also features a Japanese-style folding screen from the 1690s that depicts the Spanish conquest of Tenochtitlan, showcasing how these trade routes facilitated artistic and cultural dialogues.

Cultural Exchanges and Their Legacy

Through centuries of trade, various goods became integral to both Mexican and Asian cultures. Foods such as corn, chilis, mangoes, and coconuts crossed the ocean, leading to significant dietary influences in both regions. Pottery workshops in Puebla and Tlaxcala adopted the blue-and-white color schemes of Chinese ceramics, further illustrating the deep cultural fusions that emerged from this trade.

The exhibit also draws attention to contemporary art, linking modernist artists from the Philippines and Southeast Asia with their Mexican counterparts. It underscores the shared aesthetic concerns and histories of the Global South, as seen in the parallels between Mexican muralism and the artistic movements in Asia. During the exhibition, co-curator Teo Hui Min emphasized how artists like Victorio Edades from the Philippines and Sindoedarsono Soedjojono from Indonesia sought to forge latest national identities through their work, reflecting a broader narrative of post-colonial pride and self-awareness.

Political Implications of the Exhibition

Beyond its cultural and historical significance, Somos Pacífico serves as a political project, illuminating the evolving diplomatic relationship between Mexico and Singapore. With plans for Singapore to establish a resident embassy in Mexico City by 2026, the exhibition provides a backdrop for discussions on trade, cooperation, and mutual interests in a multipolar world.

As bilateral trade between Mexico and Singapore reached $4.7 billion in 2024—a 60 percent increase from the previous year—the exhibition underscores the importance of these connections in a global context. Mexico, as a major agricultural exporter and the 13th largest economy in the world, and Singapore, a leading financial hub, are positioned to benefit from enhanced collaboration, particularly as global supply chains shift.

Conclusion: Looking Forward

As Somos Pacífico continues to draw visitors, it not only celebrates a shared history but also prompts critical conversations about the future of international relations and cultural exchanges in an increasingly interconnected world. The exhibition invites attendees to reflect on how the past informs current geopolitical dynamics and trade relationships, offering a unique perspective on the continuing relevance of historical trade routes.

As the exhibition concludes, discussions about the implications of these historical ties for contemporary trade and diplomacy will likely continue to resonate, prompting further exploration of the interconnected narratives that define the Global South.

We encourage readers to share their thoughts on how history continues to shape modern relationships and the significance of cultural exchanges in today’s globalized world.