A new generation of Mexican artists and dealers is making waves in the art world, as demonstrated at the recent Mexico City Art Week. The 11th edition of Feria Material, which began on February 6, showcased the creativity and vibrancy of emerging galleries and artists. The city’s art scene is energized by young Mexican artists, whose experimentation and risk-taking set the tone.
Among the notable galleries that have risen to prominence during or since the pandemic are Campeche, PEANA, General Expenses, and Pequod Co. These galleries showcased their artists at Material and Salón Acme, satellite events to Zona Maco, the region’s premier art fair. Lodos, a gallery close to Salón Acme, exemplifies this new wave.
Francisco Cordero Oceguera, its founder, began the gallery as a project space in a Chicago basement while studying at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. After moving back to Mexico City, Oceguera continued to cultivate the art space, which eventually evolved into a gallery in 2016. At this year’s Material, Lodos presented works by Berenice Olmedo and Samuel Guerrero, exploring themes of identity and history through innovative mediums.
Mexican galleries redefine local art
Another standout gallery, Campeche, displayed Abraham González Pacheco’s work, which delves into the clash between Meso-American and Spanish cultures. Fátima González, a cofounder of Campeche, highlighted the politically and personally charged nature of Pacheco’s art, which tackles the complexity of Mexican identity.
Pequod, founded just before the COVID-19 lockdown by Mau Galguera and María García Sainz, focuses on millennial artists. The gallery’s artists often started their careers in independent spaces or collectives before gaining representation. Sainz emphasized the community and bridge-building aspects of their work, fostering connections locally and internationally.
PEANA, another major player in this scene, was founded in Monterrey in 2017 but moved to Mexico City in 2022. Founder Ana Pérez Escoto aimed to provide a platform for artists of her generation. The current PEANA show, “Their Silhouettes Bristled with Razors,” by Naomi Rincón Gallardo, features a range of multimedia works stemming from her 2023 video installation.
The emergence of these galleries represents a professionalization and maturation of Mexico City’s contemporary art scene. This thriving community continues to draw inspiration from successful predecessors while forging its own path, fostering a vibrant and interconnected art world.