ArtCurious Virtual Vacation: Mexico City's Galleries and Art Fairs

Dive into the vibrant world of contemporary art and travel with our NEW latest podcast episode, "ArtCurious Virtual Vacation: Mexico City’s Galleries! Join us as we take you on a journey through the bustling streets and trendy neighborhoods of Mexico City, exploring some of the most exciting galleries and art fairs the city has to offer.

From the longstanding institution Galería OMR to the innovative space of Kurimanzutto, we'll introduce you to a diverse range of artists and exhibitions that are pushing the boundaries of contemporary art. Discover emerging talents, explore thought-provoking installations, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Mexico's thriving art scene.

But our adventure doesn't stop there! We'll also give you an exclusive sneak peek into Mexico City Art Week, including VIP access to the prestigious Zona Maco art fair. With hundreds of works from around the world on display, Zona Maco is a must-visit destination for any art enthusiast.

So whether you're a seasoned collector or just beginning to explore the world of contemporary art, join us for an unforgettable virtual vacation to Mexico City. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform, and stay tuned for more exciting adventures to come.

Don't forget to mark your calendars for our upcoming trips to Kansas City, Bentonville, and Venice - it's going to be an art-filled year you won't want to miss! 🎨✨

If you’d like to donate to ArtCurious, please feel free to do so here.

Today’s Sponsor

This episode is supported by In the Making, an original podcast brought to you by Adobe Express, the all-in-one content creation app included in your Creative Cloud membership. Search for In the Making in your podcast player. My thanks to In the Making and Adobe Express for their support.

Episode Credits:

Music by Storyblocks. Logo by Vaulted.co.

Episode Transcript

In the last month, I’ve been luxuriating in my photos, souvenirs, and memories from my recent tour in Mexico City as a lecturer with the tour organization Arrangements Abroad. As you can probably surmise by my involvement, we saw a lot of art. A lot of art. And I think you deserve to hear about it. So last time in a bonus episode of ArtCurious, I shared some of my favorite museums in the city as a kind of virtual vacation. But we’re not even close to being done chatting about all the fun we had. So let’s keep the party going.

Sound pretty good to you? Great. So buckle in for our ArtCurious Virtual Vacation: Mexico City, Part 2. And if virtual just isn’t enough for you, then you’ll want to join me for some upcoming excursions. I’ve got one trip open for registration now, which will be a domestic one, hitting up Kansas City, MO and Bentonville, AK later this spring, and two international trips coming up this fall-- more soon on those as well, but check out arrangementsabroad.com and likemindstravel.com, or just stay posted to my website--artcuriouspodcast.com. 

In the meantime-- it’s time to don your walking shoes because we’re going to be on our feet a lot. Today’s virtual vacation is all about GALLERIES AND ART FAIRS.

Like any major metropolis, Mexico City is full of incredible contemporary art galleries that will delight collectors and window-shoppers alike. And if you’re looking to start an art collection, I truly suggest Mexico, because you’re not only getting high-quality, international art, but you can find up-and-coming artists for a steal compared to what you might find in New York or Los Angeles. But where should you start? Lucky you, I have some recommendations. 

One of my personal favorites is Galería OMR, a longstanding player in Mexico City's art world. Situated in the trendy neighborhood of Roma, Galería OMR, founded in 1983 by Patricia Ortiz Monasterio and Jaime Riestra,  has played a pivotal role in shaping Mexico's art scene and promoting the work of both established and emerging artists from Mexico and abroad. With its spacious, light-filled galleries, it's the perfect spot to discover cutting-edge works in painting, sculpture, photography, and more. The gallery produces a diverse range of exhibitions, often exploring themes related to contemporary social issues, cultural identity, and artistic experimentation. Keep your eyes peeled for works by Gabriel Orozco, a prominent Mexican artist known for his conceptual and minimalist works that often incorporate found objects and everyday materials. And definitely check out pieces by Damián Ortega, another Mexican artist known for his sculptural installations and assemblages that deconstruct everyday objects to explore themes of labor, consumerism, and globalization.

Next, let's head over to Kurimanzutto, one of the most influential galleries not only in Mexico City but also on the global stage. Founded in 1999 by artists José Kuri and Mónica Manzutto, along with José's brother, Gabriel Kuri, the gallery quickly gained recognition for its unconventional approach and support of experimental art.

Kurimanzutto produces a wide range of exhibitions that encompass various mediums, including painting, sculpture, installation, video, performance, and conceptual art. These shows at Kurimanzutto often blur the boundaries between art and everyday life, challenging viewers to rethink their perceptions and assumptions about contemporary art. Like OMR, they also showcase works by big-name Mexican artists like Gabriel Orozco and Damián Ortega, but you’ll also find top-notch international artists in their roster, too. One of my favorites is Rirkrit Tiravanija, a Thai artist based in New York and best known for his participatory installations and social practice art, which often involve communal cooking, eating, and dialogue. If Tiravanija is around serving noodles or rice, as he sometimes does, you’ll know that I am there for it. 

Located in the hip neighborhood of Condesa, Kurimanzutto is a must-visit for art enthusiasts seeking innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions.

You’re not tired yet, are you? We’ve truly just begun! Moving on, we can't forget about Proyectos Monclova, a dynamic space that offered one of my favorite shows on our recent Mexico City tour.. Located in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Colonia Roma Norte, Proyectos Monclova pushes the boundaries of contemporary art with its innovative exhibitions and collaborative projects. If you're looking to discover the next big thing in the art world, this is the place to be.

It’s also the place to celebrate artists who have been making a splash for the last ___ years. The most fun I had in an art gallery on this trip was here, seeing a solo exhibition by the multidisciplinary Mexican artist, Eduardo Terrazas.  Born in 1936, Terrazas has made significant contributions to the Mexican cultural landscape, particularly through his innovative approach to geometric abstraction and his exploration of indigenous symbolism.

One of Terrazas' most recognizable bodies of work is his "Possibilities of a Structure" series, which he began in the 1970s. In this series, Terrazas explores the potential of geometric forms and patterns to create visually striking compositions. He often incorporates traditional craft techniques, such as weaving and embroidery, into his work, blurring the boundaries between art and craft. These gorgeous woven pieces were hung on the walls, drawing inspiration from pre-Columbian cultures as much as from pop art, and they were so eye-catching. But what made it extra fun is that the artist interspersed them throughout the gallery with personally-designed beach balls, adding a layer of celebration and liveliness to the scene. If anyone ever thinks that contemporary art is too serious and ponderous, this is one example of how brightness and joy can make its way into today’s world, too. 

Last but certainly not least, let's shine a spotlight on LABOR. Founded in 2012 by Pamela Echeverría and Regina Pozo, LABOR is known for its commitment to showcasing socially engaged art and fostering dialogue around pressing issues facing contemporary society. With its commitment to fostering dialogue and provoking critical thinking, LABOR offers visitors a truly immersive and thought-provoking art experience.

LABOR represents a diverse roster of emerging and mid-career artists from Mexico and around the world. The gallery's exhibitions often feature a mix of media, including painting, sculpture, installation, video, performance, and participatory art. In addition to its exhibitions, LABOR hosts public programs, artist talks, and workshops that provide opportunities for dialogue and exchange between artists, curators, scholars, and the public. The gallery also collaborates with cultural institutions, non-profit organizations, and community groups to create projects that have a positive impact on society.

So you’ve strolled the city with me, puttering along from gallery to gallery, seeing some of the cutting-edge work on display. But you’re still not done? Wow, I’m impressed with your tenacity-- and also, you’ve brought the right host alongside you. Want to see more? A LOT more? And you want to do it all in one place? Well, you’ve chosen to come to Mexico City at the best time of the year-- Mexico City Art Week, typically held in late January or early February (so mark your calendars for next year-- and stay tuned to the end of this podcast for more details there). 

Mexico City Art Week brings together galleries, museums, artists, collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts for a week-long celebration of art and culture. During Mexico City Art Week, galleries and cultural institutions across the city host special exhibitions, openings, artist talks, performances, and other events showcasing contemporary art in all its forms. 

And the center of Art Week is Zona Maco, one of Latin America's most important contemporary art fairs, held annually in Mexico City. And I’ve got you covered with VIP entrance. Let’s go ahead and scan our passes in here --BEEP, good-- and let’s check it all out. 

Founded in 2002, Zona Maco has grown to become a significant platform for the promotion and sale of contemporary art all around the world. It typically spans several days, and during that time, you get to see hundreds or thousands of works of art from some of the leading galleries anywhere. From New York to Copenhagen, Paris and Berlin, Tokyo and Bogota, you’ve got it all-- not just the best art from Mexico City, but the world. If you’re looking to see a lot in a little time or just prefer to do some one-stop shopping for art, this is the place to go. Now, we’re lucky that we’re here for the first day and that we have VIP status, because by the end of the week, Zona Maco will open to the public and, oh boy, believe me, it will be packed. Today, at least, we have some room to breathe and to actually see the artwork, which is a nice perk. Plus, we’ve got the other random perks associated with the early days of the fair, like giveaways, performances, and the like. If you love a good tote bag as much as I do, you’ll be thrilled to collect some truly unique, artist-inspired ones here. 

In addition to the main fair, Zona Maco also includes special sections such as Zona Maco Diseño, which focuses on design and decorative arts, and Zona Maco Salón, which highlights emerging artists and independent projects. The fair also features a program of talks, panel discussions, and guided tours, offering visitors insights into current trends and topics in contemporary art.

The thing about Zona Maco is that it attracts Blue-Chip dealers from across the globe. That also means that at least a hefty chunk of the art goes for blue-chip prices, too. This is neither a good nor a bad thing-- just a fact. But if you are looking for an art fair that will be a little funkier and offer some goods at a lower price point, you’ve got other options here in Mexico City. Here’s where I want to recommend the Material Art Fair to you. Unlike some of the more traditional art fairs like Zona Maco, Material Art Fair is all about pushing boundaries and showcasing cutting-edge work from emerging artists and galleries.

You'll find a whole range of mind-blowing stuff there – from experimental installations and multimedia pieces to offbeat sculptures and performance art. It's like a melting pot of creativity, where artists from Mexico and around the world come together to shake up the art scene. Plus, the vibe at Material is super chill and laid-back, making it a great place to discover new talent and connect with like-minded art lovers. We’re talking, grab a cerveza and make the rounds with your best buds and soak up the vibes. 

One of the cool things about Material is its focus on supporting independent galleries and projects. You'll see a lot of fresh faces and underground talent that you might not find at other art fairs. It's all about fostering creativity and giving emerging artists a platform to shine.

And there you have it, folks - a whirlwind tour of some of our favorite commercial galleries and art fairs in Mexico City! Whether you're a seasoned art aficionado or just dipping your toes into the world of contemporary art, these galleries offer something for everyone. So next time you're in Mexico City, be sure to carve out some time to explore these vibrant spaces and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of artistic expression that this city has to offer.

Thanks for joining me on our virtual vacation to Mexico City. Everything I mentioned in today’s brief episode is based on my actual trip to Mexico with Arrangements Abroad, who curates creative, luxurious holidays across the globe, many of whom specialize in the kinds of artistic and cultural experiences mentioned herein. Chances are high that we’re going to be doing a version of this trip again next year in late January, so keep your eyes on my website: artcuriouspodcast.com, and go to arrangementsabroad.com to check out all their goodies. And if you can’t wait until next year to travel with me, I’ve got TWO amazing options for you. First, please join me on our next exclusive adventure to Kansas City and Bentonville this spring by going to arrangementsabroad.com-- I’ll be sharing some great stories and informational tidbits with you there. And then later this fall, with our favorite pals over at Like Minds Travel, we’re going on an exclusive trip to Venice and surrounds for the Venice Biennale-- more on that coming very soon. 

But we’re not done with Mexico City! We’ve got one more episode to share in our Virtual Vacation series, so keep an eye out on your podcast feed over the next few weeks. Until then, stay curious.