Chronicle of Mexico
At the end of November 2024, the artist Alejandro Galván (Mexico, 1990) will commence 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 issues 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
The artist, holding Mexican politics and corruption responsible for the widespread violence and injustice in society, will paint the entire house of Marres in an attempt, as he writes, to outline a vivid dream of Mexican society. In doing so, he poses the following questions: How can we incorporate the most unique chapters of our history into a global narrative? How can we realize that our traumas and sufferings are shared, and that perhaps solving and overcoming global issues is a path that must be collectively trodden? With his work, Alejandro Galván aims to demonstrate that he and his fellow residents of Nezahualcóyotl are not ‘marginalized’ or ‘forgotten,’ but simply belong to a group of people with an unheard story. A story that shares fundamental similarities with the tales of people from other countries, cities, villages, or even times. The reason Galván paints is that he does not want any story to be lost.
Integral installation
Vultures & Fireflies will be on show from Mar 13 to Aug 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.
Keep an eye on this website and our socials for updates regarding this monumental project of Alejandro Galván at Marres. Follow us at @marres_maastricht
Special opening hours and days
The exhibition runs from March 13 to August 31, 2025, but for a sneak preview into the artistic process, Marres will open every Saturday starting in February.
Saturday Sneak Peeks
Witness this unique monumental work in progress by Alejandro Galvan. The first floor of Marres will look different every week. You can donate based on the pay what you can principle.
Dates: 1 Feb – 8 Feb – 15 Feb – 22 Feb – 1 Mar – 8 Mar 2025
Time: 12-5PM
Location: Marres, Maastricht
Friday Night Opening: Valentine’s Special
How to Mend a Broken Heart
On Valentine’s eve, Marres is open for lovers, friends, and (solo) daters! Enjoy a special program where art and science come together and get an extra sneak peek of the exhibition Vultures & Fireflies. In collaboration with HeAart Ma’at, MUMC+, CARIM, and Pulseday.
Date: Friday, 14 February, 2025
Time: 6-9PM
Location: Marres, Maastricht
Entrance is completely free
Festive opening
Please join us for the opening of Vultures & Fireflies.
Date: Saturday 15 March
Time: 5PM
Location: Marres, Maastricht
Entrance is completely free
Storytelling Night
With the storytelling of Alejandro Galván in mind, we invite you to gather around a campfire in Marres’ intimate city garden and share their your story—stories that should not be lost. Fact or fiction, it doesn’t matter, as long as they help connect people through oral history. They may even be told in different languages, celebrating the richness of diverse voices and perspectives.
Date: Tuesday 25 March
Time: 7-21PM
Location: Marres, Maastricht
Entrance is completely free
Starting 13 March, 2025, Marres will be open again during its regular opening hours: Tuesday—Sunday, 12:00—5:00 PM.
Second festive opening
Please join us for the opening of the fully completed exhibition Vultures & Fireflies.
Date: Saturday 28 June
Time: 5PM
Location: Marres, Maastricht
Entrance is completely free
Artist talk
On December 13, 2024, an artist talk with Alejandro Galván took place at Marres.
In April 2025, a second artist talk will take place, offered in Spanish and Dutch.
Artist statement
Artist Alejandro Galván talks about his work, Nezahualcóyotl, political neglect and corruption of the Mexican state, and telling unheard stories.
This film contains images of disaster and war situations that may be disturbing to (young) viewers.
Press
Partners / thanks to
Thanks to No Man’s Art Gallery, Amsterdam
Marres receives structural support from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the Province of Limburg and the Municipality of Maastricht.
