Photo by Francisco Kochen
ยกHola! from Mexico City where Kaikai Kiki Gallery has just wrapped up its participation in Zona Maco International Contemporary Art Fair. This was the first visit to the fair for both gallery and artists, but we’re happy to report that our booth was a great success. A special thanks to all the warm and enthusiastic guests who dropped by.
Below is a summary of what went down:
“Sunshine, Sumbreros and… Shin-san?!”
Shortly after touchdown, we made our way to the Centro Banamex Convention Center where preparations were well underway. Kaikai Kiki’s booth was huddled in a corner near the rear of the fair grounds.
The pathway to the exhibition hall was bathed in sun. Only in Mexico.
Our arrival came with 48 hours until the opening of the fare. With over 20 works to install and limited time inside the venue, high noon was quickly approaching. In times like these, there’s only one man to call: Kaikai Kiki Exhibition Director Shin Kitahara, pictured here at work in his trademark hachimaki. On the right are works by Nishinoda, Rei Tanaka, and a photo painting by Rei Sato. The piece being installed is by Maelie Makuno.
As always, the first order of business was the unloading of crates. For those of you who’ve never shipped artwork before, you have no idea how big (and heavy) these crates can be!
Paintings are installed by first using a dummy to confirm the ideal position and height.
And of course we can’t forget the New Day Charity T-shirts, which were made available especially for this event. All proceeds from the shirts will be donated to an organization supporting relief efforts in the areas affected by the Tohoku-Pacific Earthquake.
After two days of hard work, the booth was ready for visitors! From left to right:
Yoshiyasu Tamura, mi (top and bottom), ob, Gemi, Chinatsu Ban
From left to right: Keisin, Nishinoda, ob, Rei Tanaka (top), Maelie Makuno (bottom), and Rei Sato
Photo by Francisco Kochen
Gemi (left) and Maelie Makuno (right)
As the doors opened, guests began pouring into the venue.
And before we knew it, our booth was packed. There were so many people, you could barely move.
This large painting by Yoshiyasu Tamura, Antenna, caught the attention of many passers-by.
It also became a popular spot for commemorative photos.
Chinatsu Ban’s pink elephant sculpture, Rain Rain Falling Rain, also proved particularly popular with children and adults alike. By sheer coincidence (or should we say luck?), an elephant with an upturned trunk is an omen of good fortune in Mexican culture. Time after time, people came to have their picture taken wth the piece.
We’re happy to note that our booth received a lot of press. Here, Kaikai Kiki staff give an interview for Mexican television.
And what a pleasant surprise to see so many families with small children. Their presence gave the fair a real down-home atmosphere.
After five days of new encounters and lively conversation, it was time to say adios. Thanks to all the art lovers in Mexico City for the warm hospitality. May we meet again soon!
