Throughout the year, Mexico City (known as CDMX since 2016) showcases a diverse array of exhibitions across its museums and galleries. However, the Mexico City Art Week each February is particularly special, as it coincides with major fairs like Zona Maco and Material, where many institutions unveil significant exhibitions or host closing events for their fall/winter shows.
This year's lineup features a captivating blend of historical exhibitions focusing on 20th-century artists alongside displays from some of the most prominent contemporary figures in the art world.
Here's a glimpse of the most intriguing exhibitions to explore during Mexico City Art Week.
rafa esparza at Lago Algo and Museo Anahuacalli (with Beatriz Cortez)
Los Angeles artist rafa esparza presents two exhibitions in Mexico City. At Lago Algo in Chapultepec Park, his solo show titled "juntxs" explores themes of domesticity, queerness, and clandestine spaces through various mediums including sculpture, painting, and video. The exhibition spans three galleries, inviting viewers to engage with the concepts of refuge and community.
Meanwhile, at Museo Anahuacalli, esparza collaborates with sculptor Beatriz Cortez in "La rebelión de los objetos" (The Rebellion of Objects), which examines how objects can serve as vessels of memory and meaning.
"juntxs" is on view from February 5 to May 31 at Lago Algo, while "La rebelión de los objetos" runs from February 4 to May 10 at Museo Anahuacalli.
Roberto Matta at Galería RGR
Roberto Matta's first solo exhibition in nearly 30 years in Mexico City, titled "La conciencia es un árbol," showcases works from the 1950s to the 1990s. The exhibition highlights Matta's innovative approach to space, characterized by a surreal and semi-abstract style.
On view from February 3 to March 28 at Gral. Antonio León 48, Colonia San Miguel Chapultepec.
Leonora Carrington at OMR
OMR presents an exhibition centered around Leonora Carrington's iconic 1964 painting ETHIOPS. This display features works from the late 1950s through the 1960s, illustrating her evolution from European influences to a unique Surrealist style, along with costumes and preparatory sketches for her mural work.
On view from February 3 to April 11 at Córdoba 100, Roma Norte.
Dorian Ulises López Macías at OMR Bodega
Dorian Ulises López Macías showcases a solo exhibition titled "MEXICANO," featuring a collection of photographs that challenge traditional Mexican aesthetics through a queer lens. This marks the first extensive presentation of his photographic archive.
On view from February 2 to March 27 at Dr. Andrade 41, Doctores.
Gabriel de la Mora at Museo Jumex
Gabriel de la Mora's exhibition "La Petite Mort" reflects on two decades of his artistic journey, featuring installations made from everyday objects. The exhibition explores themes of mortality and desire, highlighting de la Mora's unique artistic voice.
On view through February 8 at Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra 303, Colonia Granada.
Leonor Antunes at Kurimanzutto
Leonor Antunes continues her exploration of women artists from the postwar era in her second exhibition with Kurimanzutto. Titled "surface, edge and voids (expanded)," the show features installations inspired by the works of notable female artists, showcasing Antunes's distinctive use of materials.
On view from February 4 to March 28 at C. Gob. Rafael Rebollar 94, Colonia San Miguel Chapultepec.
John Sonsini at PARA A
In a unique exhibition located in a building designed by Luis Barragán, John Sonsini presents tender watercolors of Latino day laborers. The artist honors his models by compensating them for their time, capturing their essence in a series titled after their names.
On view from February 4 to April 12 by appointment at Edificio para Artistas, Parque Melchor Ocampo 38, Cuauhtémoc.