Mexico City Through The Eyes of Zélika Garcia, Founder of Zonamaco Fairs
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A rich ancient and colonial history, an equally rich tradition of arts and crafts, world-renowned artists, a sophisticated cuisine that rivals any in the world — Mexico is all of this and much more.The capital, Mexico City, provides the opportunity to takeMexico City Through The Eyes of Zélika Garcia, Founder of Zonamaco Fairs
A rich ancient and colonial history, an equally rich tradition of arts and crafts, world-renowned artists, a sophisticated cuisine that rivals any in the world — Mexico is all of this and much more.The capital, Mexico City, provides the opportunity to take in elements of the entire country in one place. It is also the heart of the fine arts in Mexico, and two major art fairs that concluded recently — Zonamaco Salon and Zonamaco Foto — drew in collectors and gallerists from all over the world to the high-altitude city. BLOUIN ARTINFO spoke to Zelika Garcia, founder of the Zonamaco fairs, on how best to enjoy Mexico City.How long have you been living in Mexico City and what do you like best about it?I moved in 2003. I like the location… this city has one of the largest metropolitan areas of the world, which embraces a great variety of activities that are always happening.What is the best time to enjoy Mexico City, one of the most culturally rich cities of the world, so that one not just enjoys the weather but also the city’s rich culture and heritage?The best months are August and February, due to all the activities and exhibitions that our collaborators and partners do during Zonamaco. During the fairs, the city becomes the center of numerous events in many museums and galleries, the city celebrates our art week.What are the places/ venues in Mexico City that you would recommend all visitors to not miss, even if coming for a short trip?Talking about art, Condesa and Roma areas are the main spots in the city, with galleries like PROYECTOS MONCLOVA, Licenciado, Arroniz, Machete, Parque Galeria and OMR; five minutes away, San Miguel Chapultepec is a neighborhood with galleries like kurimanzutto, Enrique Guerrero and Patricia Conde; nearby, you can find the Museo Tamayo, and the Museo de Arte Moderno (MAM). Polanco area also offers great options such as the Museo Jumex with one of Latin America’s best Contemporary art collections.What are the places/ venues one must definitely check out to get an idea of the rich lives of and work produced by some of Mexico’s greatest artists such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros to name a few?There are incredible places. For example, the Museo Casa Azul and the Museo Dolores Olmedo have a great collection of Mexican artifacts, where you can learn a bit about Mexican culture, and find some of Frida’s paintings. Nearby you will find the Anahuacalli Museum, a temple-like structure that houses the pre-Hispanic objects that Diego Rivera collected during his lifetime and has a program of incredible Contemporary art exhibitions. I also recommend the Sala de Arte Publico Siqueiros, a small museum located in Polanco area, dedicated to Contemporary artists, with amazing murals by Siqueiros throughout the lobby. Bellas Artes also has the most amazing murals and Anthropology Museum is one of the most beautiful and interesting I have seen. Could you recommend some restaurants or out-of-the-ordinary eating out places in Mexico City where one can taste authentic Mexican food?I like Contramar for great Mexican style seafood, El Bajio is the best real Mexican, Pujol is fancy Mexican and their taco bar is a real culinary experience, as well as Mercado de San Juan!Where would you dash off to for a quick coffee and/ or snack?Oscar Wilde 9, a small place with a few tables and homemade food. The menu changes, so I usually order the special menu of the day.What are the places a little outside of Mexico City that one could check out in a day’s trip?I recommend La Tallera, located in Cuernavaca, nearby Mexico City. It used to be Siqueiros’ workshop and now it’s a great Contemporary museum, with awesome murals by the iconic artist. Museo Amparo in Puebla is also a great option, of course the Teotihuacan pyramids.Where in the city would you go to catch up on a book or to catch up with a friend?I love Cafebreria El Pendulo in Polanco. If you want to read a book, that’s the best place to visit.Where would you advise visitors to go shopping?Onora, an incredible store in Polanco, where you can find artisanal Mexican homeware products.What’s the best souvenir to take away from Mexico City? And what are the best places to buy it?Pottery and handmade textiles! You can find great options at the Plaza de la Ciudadela, located nearby downtown area.What’s the best place to buy art in Mexico City?Zonamaco!Anything unusual or any hidden surprises about Mexico that guide books do not mention?I love the La Lagunilla Sunday market (located in a neighborhood called La Lagunilla). It is a great place to explore and purchase antiques, art, collectibles and curiosities. Salon San Luis is a great bar for drinks where you can dance to live music all night and there are “ficheras” — women who will kindly dance with you.http://www.blouinartinfo.comFounder: Louise Blouin p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Times New Roman'} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Times New Roman'; color: #d81e00} p.p3 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Times New Roman'; color: #232323} span.s1 {text-decoration: underline ; font-kerning: none} span.s2 {font-kerning: none} Read more