Zélika Garcia has always been interested in aesthetics and design, but when she graduated with an arts degree from Mexico’s University of Monterrey, she noticed a lack of art fairs in the country. Taking matters into her own hands, Garcia founded Zona Maco, a fair for contemporary art, in 2002.
“When I started the fair, it was a moment of great change in the contemporary art scene of Mexico,” Zélika said. “Galleries that are now leading international galleries were just starting out, and collecting was not as common as it is now.” The Mexican art scene, and Zona Maco, have grown significantly since 2002, and the platform now holds four events annually at Centro Citibanamex in Mexico City.
We caught up with Zélika to hear about her favorite podcast, what she’s been watching, and some of her favorite works available right now from Artnet Galleries.
Zélika’s Favorite Things
Movie: 9 1/2 weeks
Party favor: Baies candle
Bucket list destination: The Lightning Field
Artist: Georgia O’Keeffe
Museum: Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City
TV show: I am currently watching Who Killed Sara?
Book you’ve read recently: The Wild Woman’s Way by Michaela Boehm
Podcast: The Art Angle
Food to eat for breakfast: Chilaquiles
Way to celebrate success: Tequila
Project you’ve ever worked on: Zona Maco
Top Gallery Picks
Raymond Pettibon
No Title (Waimea Shorebreak) (2019)
Courtesy of David Zwirner.
Mattia Bonetti
Sofa ‘Cut Out’ (2004)
Courtesy of David Gill Gallery.
Todd James
Riot With Police (2016)
Courtesy of Galería Javier López & Fer Francés.
Claudia Comte
Quarter Circle Painting (from peach to pineapple) (2019)
Courtesy of König Galerie.
Hank Willis Thomas
C’est Moi Qui Te Regarde (Mobutu) (2019)
Courtesy of Maruani Mercier Gallery.
Le Corbusier
Icon, New York (1946)
Courtesy of Aktis Gallery.
Alessandra Spranzi
Esercizi per la mano del prestigiatore (L’insieme è nero) (2020)
Courtesy of Monica De Cardenas.
Sol LeWitt
Emblemata (2000)
Courtesy of Zane Bennett Contemporary Art.