Elite Traveler January-February 2015

elite traveler JAN/FEB 2015 ISSUE 1 105

MEXICO Ever since Gabriel Orozco’s solo shows at New York’s Museum of Modern Art (2009) and the Tate Modern (2011), the Mexican art market has flourished. His abstract painting Roto Spinal fetched $660,000 at Sotheby’s New York in November 2013. In the past three years, art galleries have opened in Mexico City almost daily, according to Galeria OMR’s Riestra who, alongside husband and wife team José Kuri and Mónica Manzutto, of gallery Kurimanzutto, and Nina Menocal are the dealers to know. Between them they look after the A-List of Mexico art, from Orozco to video artist Mario Garcia Torres and electronic maestro Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. In 2007, Hemmer was the first artist to represent Mexico at the Venice Biennale, with his interactive installation Pulse Room , where flashing lights measure individual heart beats. His work now sells for up to $1m. Conceptual art is Mexico’s signature style, often with political or social comment. “Each artist has their style, technique and theme and avoids stereotypes,” says Enrique Guerrero, eponymous owner of the gallery to go to for emerging Mexican and South American artists. “The artists do whatever they see around the home or on the streets. And everyone sees things differently.” Hip new, artist-run spaces are also emerging. Notably, Casa Maauad established in 2010, which offers studios, temporary exhibitions and artist residencies. And its not just Mexico City. Guadelajara, hometown of found-object sculptor, Jose Dávila, boasts quirky galleries including Serge Bustamante’s, which sells his sculptures and handmade jewelry.