“Unveiling the Visionary: ZONAMACO’s Zélika García Takes Center Stage in a Conversation of Artistic Purpose”
**ZONAMACO: The Heart of Mexico City’s Booming Art Scene**
Mexico City’s art scene has undergone a remarkable transformation since the 1990s, with galleries doubling in number, especially post-pandemic. The city’s art scene has spread its roots in the Chapultepec district, with new art centers emerging in Polanco, Condesa, San Rafael, and Colonia Roma. International galleries have also opened branches in the city, adding to the renaissance.
As ZONAMACO approaches its 21st edition, we spoke with its founder, Zélika García, about the fair’s expansion as the art scene booms in Mexico City. García shared insights into this year’s evolving projects and the highly anticipated Arts Week associated with them.
**The Rise of ZONAMACO**
ZONAMACO was founded in 2004 by García, a key figure in the rapid growth of the Mexican art scene. The show has played a crucial role in the rise of the Latin American art world, building on the success of Expoarte, a short-lived art fair held in Guadalajara in the 1990s. Expoarte closed in 1998 due to administrative obstacles, but Guadalajara remains an important arts center, home to many internationally renowned Mexican artists and the annual Pre-MACO weekend, which includes the visionary programming of Cerámica Suro, a ceramics residency founded by José Noé Suro.
**From Expoarte to ZONAMACO**
When Expoarte closed, García seized the moment, dedicating years of planning and discussions to create a new platform for Mexico’s emerging art scene. The first Muestra debuted in Monterrey in 2002, marking the beginning of a major cultural force. The following year, the exhibition moved to Expo Reforma in Mexico City and was renamed MACO, later evolving into FEMACO. By 2014, the event had moved to Centro Banamex and became ZONAMACO.
**ZONAMACO’s Evolution**
The show continues to push boundaries and expand its global reach. Last year, ZONAMACO celebrated its 20th anniversary, attracting over 80,000 visitors. This year, under the artistic direction of Direlia Lazo, ZONAMACO 2025 will welcome 200 galleries from 29 countries on four continents.
**Aerial View of the Art Fair**
[Airial view of the art fair]**ZONAMACO’s Vision**
“The show started many years ago and slowly it became more international,” García said. “The presence of international galleries in Mexico City and its collectors helped support my vision. So has the influx of artists, both pre-Covid and at the height of the pandemic. ‘We’ve been doing this show for many years, and there’s been a lot of word-of-mouth publicity. People who have been at the show tell other people about it and come back.’
**Mexico City Art Week**
Mexico City Art Week has a unique energy that fosters genuine relationships that transcend business. “We are very good hosts, and the people are very welcoming and invite you to visit their houses, dinners, galleries, and artist studios,” García said. “Of course, people also like parties, tequila, and champagne. It’s all part of the scene – it’s a relaxed place, but more importantly, it’s a place where it’s easy to connect with people.”
**FAQs**
Q: What percentage of the galleries are local, and what percentage are international?
A: Zélika García: “We’re going to have around 80% of the galleries from Mexico, and the other 20% will be international.”
Q: How does the fair ensure the quality of the art?
A: García: “We are very good at selecting the galleries. We work closely with the galleries, and they recommend the artists they think are suitable. We also have a committee made up of local and international galleries to select the main section. The other sections are carefully curated and controlled by the curators.”
Q: How has the fair evolved since its inception in 2004?
A: García: “The show started many years ago, and slowly it became more international. The presence of international galleries in Mexico City and its collectors helped support my vision.”
Q: What is the most significant change in the fair since the pandemic?
A: García: “The pandemic brought a new kind of energy. People used to spend time at home, and now they have more time to explore. This has helped us grow and become more global.”
**Conclusion**
As ZONAMACO celebrates its 21st edition, it remains a cornerstone of the Latin American art world, serving as a catalyst for artistic growth and international collaboration. With its commitment to quality and innovation, ZONAMACO continues to inspire artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts alike, fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment that honors the rich cultural heritage of Mexico City.Title: ZONAMACO 2025: A Platform for Global and Local Artistic Voices
The 2025 edition of ZONAMACO, Mexico’s premier art fair, is set to showcase over 125 galleries and boast a diverse range of artistic expressions from around the world. Founded in 2002, ZONAMACO has established itself as a significant platform for both local and international art communities, providing a space for artists, galleries, and collectors to connect and exchange ideas.
This year’s fair, curated by Manuela Moscoso, will focus on site-specific projects that explore artistic practices from the Global South, challenge Eurocentric narratives, and delve into themes of identity, memory, and community. The Modern Art section, curated by Esteban King, will highlight pioneering figures from Latin America, providing a historical perspective on the evolution of art in the region.
ZONAMACO EJES, led by young curator Bernardo Mosqueira, will bring together a group of emerging artists for a solo exhibition, exploring the contemporary meaning and significance of freedom. In the design section, ZONAMACO DISEÑO, curated by renowned Mexican designer Cecilia León de la Barra, will showcase jewelry and decorative items, while ZONAMACO DISEÑO EMERGENTE, in collaboration with Joel Escalona and Jorge Diego Etienne, will feature emerging designers.
As the art world continues to recover from the pandemic, ZONAMACO’s organizers are committed to balancing international participation with a focus on supporting the Mexican and Latin American art communities. According to fair director, Garcia, “It’s important to focus most of the project on Latin America because people want to see that and it’s part of our identity. Compared to other fairs, we don’t just have the big names. We have space to discover galleries from different regions and levels. I think it’s important to have this diversity of voices.”
Participating in art fairs in Mexico can be a significant investment for galleries, especially in logistics, and international exhibitors may face challenges breaking into the local art scene. “When new galleries come in, we try to introduce them to collectors and get them to the people they need to meet,” Garcia said, adding that building relationships and trust is crucial. “Once a gallery makes those connections, some local collectors might even offer to host a dinner party at their home next year and invite their friends. It may take time, but the relationships that galleries build here can really pay off.”
FAQs:
1. What is the main theme of ZONAMACO 2025?
The main theme of ZONAMACO 2025 is to showcase artistic practices from the Global South, challenge Eurocentric narratives, and explore themes of identity, memory, and community.
2. Who is the curator of the Modern Art section?
The Modern Art section is curated by Esteban King.
3. What is the focus of ZONAMACO EJES?
ZONAMACO EJES, led by young curator Bernardo Mosqueira, will explore the contemporary meaning and significance of freedom through a solo exhibition featuring a group of emerging artists.
4. What is the focus of ZONAMACO DISEÑO?
ZONAMACO DISEÑO, curated by Cecilia León de la Barra, will showcase jewelry and decorative items, while ZONAMACO DISEÑO EMERGENTE will feature emerging designers.
5. How many galleries will participate in ZONAMACO 2025?
Over 125 galleries will participate in ZONAMACO 2025.
Conclusion:
ZONAMACO 2025 promises to be an exciting and thought-provoking edition, with a diverse range of artistic expressions from around the world. The fair’s commitment to supporting the local and international art communities, as well as its focus on exploring themes of identity, memory, and community, will make it an unmissable event for art enthusiasts.**The Rise of ZONAMACO: An Interview with Founder Zélika García**
Mexico City’s ZONAMACO art fair has become a significant player on the global art scene, and its founder, Zélika García, is the driving force behind its success. In this exclusive interview, García shares her vision for the fair, her commitment to Mexican contemporary art, and her thoughts on the art market.
The art fair has grown exponentially since its inception, with last year’s event attracting around 50 museum groups from around the world. García expects an even greater turnout in 2025, with many institutions already expressing interest in attending.
ZONAMACO’s success can be attributed to García’s dedication to creating a platform that showcases Mexican contemporary art and fosters connections between local artists, galleries, and international institutions. The fair’s unique formula, which combines art exhibitions, educational programs, and social events, has proven to be a winning strategy.
One of the key initiatives driving ZONAMACO’s growth is its Art Night program, which is part party and part informal arts education. This program has helped to create a new generation of art lovers and collectors, many of whom are now buying art at the fair.
García’s passion for the fair and its role in elevating Mexican contemporary art is evident in her commitment to staying rooted in Mexico City and serving the local art community. While there have been rumors of ZONAMACO being considered for acquisition by larger companies, García has stressed her desire to maintain ownership and control of the fair.
**FAQ**
Q: What is the most significant change you’ve seen in the art market since ZONAMACO’s inception?
A: The most significant change is the increasing recognition of Mexican contemporary art globally. The market has become more competitive, and collectors are more interested in emerging artists and their work.
Q: How do you see the art market evolving in the next few years?
A: I believe the art market will continue to become more global, with more international galleries and collectors attending art fairs like ZONAMACO. I also see a greater emphasis on diversity and inclusivity, with a focus on showcasing underrepresented artists and art movements.
Q: What advice would you give to emerging artists?
A: I would advise emerging artists to focus on developing their skills, experimenting with different mediums, and networking with other artists and galleries. It’s also essential to have a strong online presence and social media strategy.
**Conclusion**
ZONAMACO has become a force to be reckoned with in the art world, and its founder, Zélika García, is the driving force behind its success. García’s commitment to Mexican contemporary art, her passion for the fair, and her dedication to staying rooted in Mexico City have created a platform that is truly unique and innovative.
As the art market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how ZONAMACO adapts and responds to changing trends and tastes. One thing is certain, however: ZONAMACO will remain a key player in the global art scene, providing a platform for Mexican contemporary art to shine.
