I came to Mexico with the intention of reconnecting with my Mexican heritage. As a child, I lived in Mexico for six years, and though I have not returned for twenty years, this marks my first time back since then. At the core of my artistic practice is a deep fascination with nature, and here in Mexico, I have been captivated by the vibrant colours and beauty of the fruit displays in the markets. The sheer volume of produce, the intricate and impressive towers formed by piles of fruit, and the rich textures and hues all serve as an undeniable visual experience that I want to capture through my work.

 

My pieces are a series of fruit compositions, with the central work measuring 3 meters in length—my largest piece to date. I wanted the scale of this piece to reflect the impact and awe that I felt when I first encountered the fruit arrangements in the markets. The other works zoom in on smaller, more intimate fruit displays. These compositions are based on photographs I have taken and found, often combining different fruits from these sources to enhance the image and achieve a more dynamic and balanced visual harmony.

 

Fruit holds a significant place in my memories of growing up in Mexico. My parents would buy crates of bananas and mangos, and there was always an abundance of fruit in our home. These memories continue to resonate with me, and in my compositions, fruit becomes more than just a subject—it symbolises my connection to Mexico and the cultural and familial ties that have shaped me.

 

This residency has been generously supported by Grosserer L.F. Foghts Fond.