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.
Lucid 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 lucid 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.
Artist Talk with Alejandro Galván
Date: Friday night 13 December 2024
Time: 7-8:30PM
Location: Marres, Maastricht
Language: Spanish/English
(In April 2025, a second artist talk will take place, offered in Spanish and Dutch.)
The event is free of charge, but an RSVP through reserveringen@marres.org is very much appreciated.
Sneak Previews
Special sneak preview during the Friday Night Opening on Valentine’s Day
Date: Friday, 14 February, 2025
Time: 5-8PM
Location: Marres, Maastricht
Sneak peeks every Saturday from February 2025
(1 Feb – 8 Feb – 15 Feb – 22 Feb – 1 Mar – 8 Mar 2025)
Time: 12-5PM
Location: Marres, Maastricht
Festive opening
Date: Saturday 15 March
Time: 5PM
Location: Marres, Maastricht
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
Marres receives structural support from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the Province of Limburg and the Municipality of Maastricht.
Thanks to No Man’s Art Gallery, Amsterdam
