Art from Tepito to be presented in Zonamaco

Four collages, photographs, sculptures, and paintings by three young artists will offer audiences a glimpse at the Tepito Neighborhood in Mexico City as part of the Zonamaco Foto’s fourth edition, by “ Ciclo .”

The works will be shown at the Zonamaco Hall from 22 to 26 August , and will later be taken to the L Gallery in the Condesa neighborhood . They will also be put on display in Tepito, within the San Francisco de Asís Church .

In a press conference, Laura Reséndiz , organizer of the “Ciclo” selection; Jacobo Noe Loeza , member of Casa Barrio Tepito, and artists Paola Beck, Carlos Álvarez Montero, and Macario Martínez , gave details of the exposition.

“With a view to recognizing cultural practices from different communities, Citibanamex is organizing the artistic exhibition for the preservation and improvement of public space,” Laura Reséndiz explained.

Photographer Carlos Álvarez spoke about his work, which “consists of a series of images or still-lifes through which I show the people living in Tepito. It is meant to be a portrait of the neighborhood’s inhabitants through different elements in their homes.”

“In order to achieve this, I had to interact with people, I visited their homes with the support of Jacobo, and the nice people of Tepito who trusted me enough to show me everything. I opened drawers, entered the kitchen, and each of the rooms.”

Montero assured that he had conducted a thorough observation exercise. “The photos give context to the street, and the portraits represent Mexicans and the situation that they live in, their everyday activities, and spiritual life. We can all relate to the stories of people from the Tepito neighborhood.”

For her part, Paola Beck will present four collages which encompass the narrative content of the past emissions. She stated that this kind of proposal would allow people to approach places that are also a part of Mexico, though they are not always made visible.

“It is important to point out that the people of Tepito have a lot to show. This is not about us showing our art, it is all about them, who have taught us so much.”

Macario Martínez commented that three audiovisual shows were produced to show the main issues that exist in Tepito, featuring interviews made to women and children living in the area.

The exposition is meant to promote the project of uniting the Venustiano Carranza and the Cuauhtémoc delegations through the activation of the Vasco de Quiroga elementary school and turn it into a Cultural Center as part of the Tepito Cultural Spaces Network ’s social and cultural project, which seeks to encourage arts and crafts in the marginalized neighborhood.

Art gives wings to Mexican inmates

dm