But after visiting the Mexican Artists Exhibition, featuring more than 67 works dating from the late 50s to the 90s, there will be no excuse for not knowing your Coronels from your Corzas.

"It's a great opportunity to explore some of the most prestigious works of Mexican art," says Mexican Consul General Mauricio Escanero. "Everyone knows 'Los Tres Grandes' [Muralists Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco and David Alfaro Siquieros], of course; their works are fantastic, but here you can also see a multiplicity of Mexican artistic expression and the wider international influence on the art scene."

From the Rivera-esque Indigenista portraits of Raul Anguiano, through Rufino Tamayo's Picasso-influenced Abstract Expressionism, to the richly-hued works of Rodolfo Nierto with shades of Paul Klee and German Expressionism, the range and quality of art at this exhibit is undeniable. As is its originality, the result of a unique combination of foreign, pre-Columbian, and, quite clearly, Mexican influences. "You see a very strong group of personalities and very individual styles," says Escanero, "but all of them take inspiration from their roots and cultural heritage."

Save a trip to Oaxaca or Chiapas, you'd be hard pressed to find a better example of the Mexican talent for joining together of Mexican roots and contemporary culture.

Mexican Artists Exhibition
Date: April 28-May 28
Location: Shanghai Museum of Art, No. 325 Nanjinglu
Price: RMB 20
Tel: 010-63274030