Vultures & Fireflies
March 13–August 31, 2025
Maastricht 6211 RT
The Netherlands
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 12–5pm
T +31 43 327 0207
info@marres.org
Chronicle of Mexico
At the end of November 2024, the artist Alejandro Galván (Mexico, 1990) commenced a painted chronicle of Mexico from the perspective of one of the largest working-class suburbs. The artist resides in Nezahualcóyotl, at the outskirts of Mexico City, a place in which political neglect and violence have configured the social panorama. His often highly detailed paintings blend realism with mythology, narrating his experiences growing up in this environment, and depicting the corruption of the Mexican state and police. His influences are drawn from comic books, television and heavy metal, sources that set him apart from the prevailing, more minimalist and conceptual style in Mexican contemporary art.
Vivid dream
His storytelling introduces visitors to a hyper-detailed image of his barrio Nezahualcóyotl, blending materials from a range of sources, including tabloid news, comic books, heavy metal music and Mexican folklore. Images from makeshift architecture, kissing couples, gang violence, mariachi bands, burning cars, soap stars and drag queens are overseen by gigantic pre-Columbian mythological figures. The figures seem to redress the balance of gross injustice and widespread corruption in what Galván calls a vivid dream of Mexican society.
Integral installation
Vultures & Fireflies will be on show from March 13 to August 31, 2025. To create his monumental exhibition, the artist will already start working in Marres from November onwards. Leading up to the grand opening on March 15, several events will take place where visitors can get a glimpse into the making process. The work will see its completion in June 2025, which will be celebrated with a second opening.
