Zona Maco 2025 Receipts: Big Mariachi Energy

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For over 20 years, Zona Maco has been a key part of Mexico’s evolving art scene and the mainstay of Mexico City Art Week. The fair’s 2025 edition (5–9 February) showcased 200 galleries from 29 countries, including 39 first-time participants, at its traditional home, the Centro Citibanamex convention centre. The mood was upbeat on the first day despite President Trump’s recent announcement (and postponement) of trade tariffs, and there was a noticeably large presence of international collectors’ groups.

Mexico City and New York-based gallery Kurimanzutto presented works by Mexico’s most renowned artists including Gabriel Orozco, whose current Museo Jumex exhibition is a highlight of the season, and Carlos Amorales, whose large-scale textile piece, Jungle Star (Universe) 02 (2024), was on view. ‘Maco’s first day has been one of the best; the number of clients and quality of the collections they represent is surprising,’ co-founder José Kuri told Ocula. He confirmed sales of works by Orozco, Roberto Gil de Montes, Leonor Antunes, Bárbara Sánchez-Kane, Gabriel Kuri, and Dr Lakra.

Local heavyweight Proyectos Monclova showcased an eclectic selection, including abstract yarn works by Eduardo Terrazas and along with an untitled photographic series by Chantal Peñalosa, documenting the subtle shifts in cloud formations the artist observed while crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. Sales director Alexandra Lovera noted an ‘incredible’ first-day response, reporting ‘outstanding sales, including works by Peñalosa and Noé Martínez.’

Conservator Alejandra Topete, who recently opened her eponymous gallery in Mexico City, debuted in the main section with a solo booth showcasing works by Mérida-based U.S. artist Randy Shull, who presented colourful, sculptural works featuring traditionally woven Yucatán hammocks adorned with paint and gold leaf, nodding to the artist’s background in furniture design.

Local project space Furiosa, who participated in Zona Maco’s Ejes section for emergent spaces last year, debuted in the main section with a solo booth of large-scale minimalist works by Mexico City-based U.S. artist Charlie Nesy, each priced at 50,000 USD. Co-founder Patricio Cortázar confirmed the sale of four pieces.

London‘s Cadogan Gallery returned to the main section for the second year, showcasing works by Mexico City-based artist Andreas Diaz Andersson, British artists Sam Lock and Deborah Tarr, and Nuria Maria from the Netherlands. ‘We already have a strong Mexican collector base, and the people are very welcoming,’ said director Freddie Burness. He confirmed the sale of an acrylic painting by Maria for 9,000 USD.

Curated by Luis Graham Castillo, Zona Maco Foto, the fair’s dedicated platform for international photographic art, showcased dialogues between photography and painting, notably at Amsterdam‘s Homecoming Gallery. On display were Aldo van den Broek’s paintings, alongside photographs by Johnny Mae Hauser. Director Karlijn Bozon noted: ‘We came for the energy and decided to feature internationally renowned artists for the first time in Mexico.’

The same was true for Madrid’s Arma Gallery, showcasing Elena Gual’s expressive paintings alongside photographs by Mexico-based artist Rob Woodcox. Woodcox’s Otherworld (2021), shot in the Mexican surrealist enclave of Xilitla, was awarded the Erarta Prize. Selected by fairgoers, the 100,000 USD award is the world’s highest-value art fair prize.

As I was preparing to leave the fair on its first day, the sound of mariachis floated through the Centro Citibanamex, in celebration of Galería de Arte Mexicano 90th anniversary. Zona Maco founder Zélika García brought out a three-layer cake to honour the city’s oldest gallery, rounding out the warm and optimistic atmosphere of the fair. —[O]

Main image: Zona Maco, Mexico City (5–9 February 2025). Courtesy Zona Maco.