Alejandro Galván - Vultures & Fireflies

In November 2024, artist Alejandro Galván (Mexico, 1990) embarks on a painted chronicle of Mexico as seen from one of the country's largest working-class neighbourhoods, Nezahualcóyotl. This suburb of Mexico City is characterised by political neglect and violence. Galván's detailed paintings combine realism with mythology and reflect his experiences of growing up in this environment and the corruption of the Mexican state and police. His style is inspired by great muralists, but distinguished by influences from television and heavy metal, which sets him apart from the minimalist and conceptual currents in contemporary Mexican art.

Galván, who holds Mexican politics and corruption responsible for violence and injustice in society, will paint the entire Marres house. In doing so, he aims to sketch a lucid dream of Mexican society, raising questions about how unique chapters of history can be incorporated into a global narrative. He emphasises that people's traumas and suffering are common and that solving global problems requires a joint effort. Galván wants his work to show that he and his fellow Nezahualcóyotl residents are not marginalised or forgotten, but part of a group with an important story that has fundamental common ground with stories of people worldwide. His goal is to leave no story lost.

Vultures & Fireflies will be on view from 13 Mar to 31 Aug 2025. To allow Alejandro Galván to create this monumental exhibition, Marres is inviting the artist to start work as early as November 2024. Ahead of the festive opening on 15 March, several events will take place where visitors will get an insight into the progress of the making process. The exhibition will be completely finished in June 2025, which will be celebrated with a second opening.