Big Medium presents in ZⓈONAMACO
Written by Ádé Thomas
Imagine this.
You’ve never been out of the country; your first time is in Mexico City. You know little to no Spanish; you’re new to the team and traveling internationally with the producers of the
Are you intimidated or excited?
Together, we presented works by Karen Navarro, Xavier Schipani, and Adrian Armstrong.
As the days flew by leading up to and during the trip, I repetitively found myself making sense of what it meant to be sharing this exhibition curated by Coka Treviño, Big Medium’s Curator and Director of Programming. Among the thousands of words and plentiful talent to exhibit, her discernment behind her selection became the clearest to me.
In a world like ours, in 2023, Navarro’s work is timely. Without confidence, cultural exposure, and solitude with one’s self, society will try to tell you exactly who you are. Yet Navarro’s work reminds us that identity is our birthright; we are not simply the fraction that grants us the most privilege; it is for us to learn and own.
Schipani’s work eloquently provides uncommon but progressive points of conversation. His two-dimensional figurative paintings offer trans visibility, exploration of sexuality, and non-traditional masculinity — considerations imperative to constructing identity.
As for Armstrong’s work, it’s black. Just as the word can be used as an adverb, adjective, and noun, his work is multi-figural in a way that offers multidimensional tales of the black experience. In my educated and experienced opinion, that’s always an interesting conversation.
To incite dialogue surrounding identity through the work of these artists on a global scale was impressive, overwhelmingly inspiring, and eye-opening.
With 77,000 attendees, hailing from many countries across the globe, Big Medium’s presence at ZⓈONAMACO was a monumental achievement in continuing our work of advancing the careers of Texas artists.
In conversation with artists, Navarro shared that “showing at ZⓈONAMACO has been an incredible experience, [and how she’s] very grateful to Big Medium for believing in [her] work and for allowing [her] to share with Mexico and beyond. It’s very exciting to see [this] many people engage with the work.”
As for Armstrong, showing internationally has been on his bucket list, and he was pleased to see Big Medium’s success in MACO, “it feels amazing to be a part of ZⓈONAMACO… and for the work to be received positively has been incredible.” Between Armstrong and Schipani, both men had efficacious sentiments about their excitement to participate and what it could mean for their career trajectory.
“I think it’s only positive motion,” Armstrong added.
Can you imagine that?
It was an insanely beautiful and rewarding experience all around. Between the unique architecture, endless artwork in every corner of the city, an array of cuisines, and a rich cultural heritage, I would undoubtedly do it again.
Join us in 2024?
Photos: Bita Ghassemi
Until next time, check out Big Medium's coverage during ZⓈONAMACO: HYPERALLERGIC, BRIDGE, Glasstire.