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Sobre cómo predecir el futuro..

(Fotos: Ana Ma. Pimentel)

Casi como una alusión al proyecto que el recinto lleva a cabo en cuanto a dialogar con el futuro, la renovación del Museo Rufino Tamayo permite visitarlo aunque ésta no se haya consumado del todo.
Por Ana Ma. Pimentel Arámbula
Please come back son las palabras formadas por grandes tubos blancos fluorescentes que se iluminan al percibir a un visitante, y que dominan la planta baja de la construcción. Pareciera que con Future Tense, el colectivo artístico Claire Fontaine (integrado por Fulvia Carnevale y James Thornill) predijera que quien asista al museo alguna vez decidirá volver, tal vez cuando el auditorio, la terraza, la tienda-café y demás espacios sujetos a transformación estén terminados.
Del mismo modo que se participa en el tiempo como individuo y como pluralidad, y echando mano de la idea de que la historia se repite, Claire Fontaine afirma que el arte es susceptible de expropiación en tanto apropiarse de las formas y estrategias de éste implique difundir la esencia del primer intento para revivir el mecanismo una y otra vez en diferentes contextos.
Según Sofía Hdez. Chong Cuy, directora del museo, Magalí Arriola fue fundamental para la conceptualización del programa, pues a cargo del trabajo curatorial hizo posible que los artistas Juià, Koester y Claire Fontaine confluyeran en el museo: Magalí argumenta a favor del entendimiento del artista como intelectual. Dentro del ciclo Microhistorias y macromundos, que abrió durante la primavera del 2010 y que se extenderá hasta el 2013, los artistas Joachim Koester y Adrià Julià se formulan la pregunta: ¿Hay algo qué predecir acerca del futuro?”… La cual tratan de responder mediante proyectos individuales y muestras colectivas que pretenden explorar las relaciones entre lo histórico y lo contemporáneo, lo local y lo global; entre los individuos y las comunidades a través de lo más representativo del arte contemporáneo internacional.
Indicaciones para otro lugar es la propuesta del artista català Adrià Julià para analizar las utopías sociales del siglo XIX que implicaron la influencia de Francia en Brasil bajo la figura del filósofo francés Charles Fourier. Mediante cortometrajes entrelazados o por separado fuerza al asistente a descubrir hacia dónde podría estar yendo la trama o si hay tal; finalmente uno concluye que tal vez no se va a ninguna parte… La palabra progreso es el eje de la exposición, al estudiar las pretensiones de Fourier como el creador de las utopías para reorganizar a la sociedad brasileña del siglo XIX, mediante el énfasis en las mujeres y los niños como actores perfectos y reproductores naturales de las pasiones humanas.
Por su parte, la serie de ensayos fotográficos, videos e instalación de Joachim Koester presentan, junto a un texto que los complementa, una nueva significación de la narrativa histórica para lograr la reformulación de los imaginarios colectivos. Para poner en funcionamiento estas nuevas categorías, replantea las construcciones culturales haciendo alusión a los puntos ciegos de la historia como medio de reactivación de episodios dentro de las ramas históricas, como la historia de la filosofía – con Kant, Baudelaire o Freud como protagonistas -, la del arte, la literatura o las evoluciones del ocultismo con Charles Manson o Carlos Castaneda como buenos pretextos. A moo de exploración distinta tanto de la conciencia humana en tanto afectada con las drogas, como de la consideración del uso de las drogas al paso de los años, Koester propone analizar de nuevo las relaciones entre lo histórico y lo contemporáneo al situar en el pedestal temas como objeto de un estudio que habrá de relacionarse una y otra vez, y emerger o hundirse cuantas veces sea necesario dentro de la historia para lograr categorías activadas y reactivadas de significación.
La renovación espacial del Museo Tamayo no es lo único que hemos de recibir, ya que el movimiento se extendió hasta las propuestas curatoriales y editoriales: RUFINO es la publicación con enfoque pedagógico-curatorial que estrenan este año y que se entregará junto con su complemento digital en www.rufino.mx para proponer una mirada más íntima a los proyectos del museo. Y en efecto, intimidad se sentirá definitivamente al visitar este museo cuyas extensiones, aunque reducidas - y a causa de ello-, hacen que la obra presentada sea monumental.

Mexican Equinox: Mayan Gala of Wisdom and Poetry for the Modern World.

(Photo: Ana Ma. Pimentel)

It must have been an impressive archaeoastronomical discovery. Those who experienced for the first time what happens every Spring Equinox in Teotihuacán must have been amazed: between 7:15 and 7:45 am, the lighting of the steps at the Quetzalpapálotl Palace & the rising sun on the East side of the courtyard intensify the red figures of the western wall of the palace. Meanwhile, as if coming down the stairs, the shadows fall on the dark side of the enclosure, which is illuminated by flashes of reflected light on shiny Stone circles strategically placed. Today, the event is MUST for hundreds visting Teotihuacan for its healing energy and good "vibes".

It’s the evening of March 21st. The sun begins to fall, and there’s a giant snake of light descending through the stairs of “The Castle” pyramid in Chichén Itzá, Yucatán. It’s Kukulkán, the feathered serpent which announces the time to start the harvest. Don’t forget that "El Castillo" at Chichén Itzá was voted one of the seven wonders of the world! In Dzibilchaltún (16 km <9.9>North of Mérida, capital of Yucatán), the equinox happens at the "7 Dolls" where the rising sun seems to rest on the central gate of the temple, and announces the beginning of springtime. These phenomena highlight the advanced Mayan knowledge of astrology and mathematics, because in conjunction with their religion, they developed a calculation system for harvesting. Famous for its transparency, and close gaps in Merida are Celestun and puerto Progreso.

Getting There:

Teotihuacán: 48km away from Mexico city, take Pachuca Exit.
Dzibilchaltún: 22 km northeast of Merida on the road no. 261, turning on the right at kilometer 16.
Chichén Itzá, 116 km from Mérida on 180 road or through the highway.

Fees:
Chichén Itzá and Teotihuacán: $ 51.00 pesos
DZIBILCHALTÚN: $ 49.00 pesos (Seniors, students and children are exempt from payment)

What you need to know:
Equinox comes from the Latin equus for equal and nox for night, because during this phenomenon day and night last 12h worldwide.
There are two equinoxes each year: spring and autumn, around 21 March and 20 September respectively.
Mayan god Kukulcán is also known as Quetzalcóatl in náhuatl, Gucumatz in Quiche.
Dzibilchaltún means "where there is writing on flat stones" and his temple is called "Temple of the Seven Dolls" by offering seven clay dolls found inside.
The solar phenomenon was discovered in 1982 Dzibilchaltun.

VIP Tip:
Hat, sun block and plenty of water are essential!
Where ever you decide to enjoy this wonderful event,be ready to find excited crowds.
Teotihuacan usually opens at 5am for visitors to enjoy the sunrise at the archaeological site.

Romantic CityWalk in Mexico City

As we all know, anything original and cheap is always great! We suggest something as cheap as you like, cultural and fun:

Start at ForoCafé with Fantasía subterránea para mujer y violín. Inspiring yet not tacky, this play will make you wonder if you’re really enjoying life. Perfect for friends and couples, its director will welcome you personally. Visit MUCA-Roma, currently showing exhibits about the area and a dark room where you’ll enjoy introspective and lonely moments. Chill at the quiet and hidden terrace: a deer/plant lives there too. ColimaSt.has a time tunnel: GoodbyeFolk rescues items that the coolest granny once owned. Try different outfits or get a haircut at the beautyparlor at the bottom of the store. Showing off your new look, keep walking and find Río de Janeiro Park with its mexican “David” and benches surrounding a fountain. At Orizaba and Puebla corner, Café Toscano offers loveseats and benches, cheese, bread, coffee or a menu while you‘re free to borrow magazines or books. Take a glimpse at Dulcería Celaya, which is a 125 years old! Enjoy mexican candy while walking towards Casa Lamm. Get comfy on its couches inside an anfitheater and look at their books along with your loved one.

¡The romantic touch is yours!

Getting there:

Metrobus stop: Durango.

What you need to know:

The phone in front of MUCA does spatial noises.
Café Toscano also sells flowers and handmade chocolate.

VIP Tip:

ForoCafé offers discounts for the first ten visitors bringing this magazine.

The Folk Art Museum in Mexico City..

(Photo: Ana Ma. Pimentel)

¿Are you looking for a great variety of Mexican crafts (on display and for sale)? This museum is one of the must see for those who love tradition and folklore. Its Art Deco building houses an impressive collection of everyday ornamental, religious or magical objects mixing the idea of naïve art & materials with Mexican identity.

You’re greeted in different indigenous languages as you cross the entrance: in the main yard, The History train, built with several crafts and materials such as black mud or Huichol art, shows key situations on Mexican history.

The visitor can access the third floor by the elevator or through the stairs, which happen to be guarded by monumental alebrije giants. Room 1 shows off the skill of craftsmen and their use of stone, natural fibers or bark paper.

It’s hard not to be attracted by the imposing mural of Miguel Covarrubias which shares the room with interactive computers. The toys, miniatures, textiles and pottery from the room 2 will certainly amaze the visitor. Shapes and colors from the piñatas on display are flattering to the eye.

Your choice: visiting the multimedia lounge or walking through halls 3 and 4… Masks, judas, votive offerings or little saints and the devotion of Mexicans to their religion and magical imagery will definitely surprise the viewer while three enormous judas will receive and watch him through the exhibition.

Whoever wants to perceive the identity of the Mexican Nation must always do so from the standpoint of half-caste origins. Since we are the result of two ancient cultures which if separately are very important, combined take an unbelievable creative force.

Since after the exhibit you will rush to the Souvenir Shop, we strongly advice you run with caution.

FYI:

· On Sundays, storytellers will entertain both children and grownups with different themes according to the time of the year.

· The Folk Art Museum offers crafts workshops for both artisans and visitors or children.

· For those who would rather take a break while enjoying a film, the documentary (short films, lasting 10 - 12 minutes) on traditions and craftsmanship is a great option, this month’s screening: The Mexican feather art.

· On the courtyard and hallways, there are tables with facsimile newspaper articles from the Revolutionary era to 1967 with key information on historical and social events Mexico passed through.

· This museum is the starting point for the Monumental Alebrije Parade which strides each year all the way through Reforma Ave.

· The building has a convenient layout for the disabled or handicap.

· The Museum provides guided tours. You must call Public Services Coordinator Urania Nuñez: 5510-2201, ext. 128, to arrange a meeting.

· Toys, textiles, books, postcards, jewelry, decoration items, pottery, brass, paper and glass work, paintings, musical instruments, furniture, miniatures and countless curiosities are on sale at the museum shop.

· There are open competitions on different subjects such as piñata or alebrijes. You can also submit your contribution to the Train of History.

· Café Punta del Cielo is a coffee shop located within the grounds of the MAP and offers high quality coffee for those who want to make a stop during their visit.

VIP Tip:

Chinatown, home to Chinese immigrants from Canton and Guangdong who arrived in the '70s, is located nearby, at Dolores Street and Marroquin on one side of the Alameda, and is an excellent option to take a look and enjoy good dishes after visiting the FAM.

Getting there:

The Folk Art Museum is located on Independencia Street between the streets of Revillagigedo and José Azueta.
Easy references are:
• Metropólitan Theater, located almost in front of the museum.
• Juárez Metro Station (subway), which is 2 blocks away.
• Hidalgo Metro Station (subway), located 5 blocks away from the FAM.
• The Alameda Central Park, one block away from the museum.

Horario:

Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.

Thursdays from 10 am and will stay open until 9 pm.

Public access will be allowed until 30 minutes before closing time.
On Mondays, the museum will be closed for maintenance.
The museum will also be closed on December 24, 25 and 31 and January 1st of each year.

Museum Fee:
$ 40.00 M.N.
Fee exemptions:
• Children under 13 years old.
• Disabled or Handicapped.
• People over 60 years with INAPAM ID.
• Students and teachers with ID.
• Indigenous and Artisans with ID.
On Sundays admission is free.

Ana María Pimentel Arámbula

Let's visit the Carnival!!

(Photo: Ana Ma. Pimentel)

Although originally carnivals were held a few days before Lent, we can currently enjoy them on almost any time of the year. These holidays are full of music, colors, noise, costumes and parades held in the streets. Within each carnival there’s a Beauty pageant, and an Ugly king (Rey feo) is voted to make the Beauty Queen some company. Since escaping from reality is rarely easy, a carnival is a good pretext for choosing the grotesque and funny over our usual behavior, that’s why there are masks and colors, and flavors or sounds are always over the top. In México, these feasts were born in the nineteenth century and their most popular venues are: Veracruz, Morelos, Mazatlán, Mérida, Quintana Roo and Campeche.

FYI:

Carnaval or carnestolendas mean "remove the meat" because of the idea of avoiding meat during Lent. Its English translation is Shrovetide.
The carnival’s theme usually changes every year.
The Quintana Roo is the oldest in México, born in the late eighteenth century.
Some carnivals emerged as social complaints against mistreat.

VIP Tip:

San Francisco de Campeche celebrates the Pintadera: a paint war.
Fancy some dancing? Visit the famous jumping chinelos in Tepoztlán, Morelos.

Getting There:

Closest to the city and held this month: Carnaval de Tepoztlán: 70km to the south of Mexico city:
Bus: South terminal (Terminal del Sur: Taxqueña).
Driving: Highway 95 D (México-Acapulco) through Cuernavaca: Tepoztlán exit.

TOP 5: Museums in Mexico City.

(Photo: Ana Ma. Pimentel)

It is always hard to choose the ideal place to visit when you don't have much time, specially in Mexico City, housing hundreds of Museums (literally), this TOP 5; sorted by subject, not by importance, is perfect for those who are hesitant about choosing amongst this fabulous collection of museums.

For Frida and Diego fans:

• Museo Dolores Olmedo Patiño:

This ex-hacienda with xoloitzcuintles (hairless dogs) and peacocks is perfect to explore Frida Kahlo &Diego Rivera’s love story featuring the largest collection of the couple’s work, the visitor will find famous paintings such as "Unos cuantos piquetitos", "La columna rota" and room filled with Rivera's Cubist work. If that’s not enough, Dolores Olmedo hosts folk art and pre-Columbian pieces from Mrs. Olmedo's personal collection.

• Hours: Tues-Sun: 10:00 to 18:00 hrs.

• Rates: Mexicans: $ 5.00mxn; Foreign public $ 55.00mxn; Free admission: INAPAM and children -6 years & Tuesday for general public.

• Address: Av. México 5843 Col. La Noria, Xochimilco. Ph.5555 1221.

•Tours: Groups of 5 people maximum: $ 50.00mxn

• For muralists, architects and surrealists:

Fine Arts Palace's Museum (“Palacio de Bellas Artes”):

This magnificent palace was built in 1904 while trying to surpass the Paris Opera House. Besides hosting a great deal of the local cultural life, theater, concerts, etc. “Bellas Artes” houses numerous gallery exhibitions. Enjoy monumental murals with revolutionary themes by Siqueiros, Orozco, Rivera, Tamayo and Montenegro, among other artists. Until July 2010 visit the temporary exhibition featuring René Magritte: Belgian artist who was friends with André Breton, Max Ernst, Joan Miró and Dalí. Experts consider him a revolutionary because of his anarchic, ironic and filled of “visual paradoxes” style; form some ahead of Warhol's pop movement.

• Hours: Tues-Sun: 10:00 to 18:00hrs.

• Rates: $ 35.00mxn; Sundays: free.

• Address: Avenida Juárez and Eje Central s / n. Centro Histórico, Mexico City. Ph. 51300900 ext. 2616.

• Tours: Reservations: 5130 0900 ext. 2616.

• For archaeology lovers:

Museo del Templo Mayor:

One of the greatest exponents of our pre-Columbian past and a big part of our national identity. In the heart of the Historical Center, it features eight rooms of extraordinary pieces such as the Mictlantecuhtli, or Coyolxauhqui sculptures. A fabulous journey to Mexican Past and the Mexica Culture a MOST!.

• Hours: Tues-Sun: 9:00 to 17:00 hrs.

• Rates: Admission: $ 51.00mxn; Free admission: students & children -12 years.

• Address: Seminario # 8, Historical Center. Ph.55-42-49-43.

• Tours: Free. Tuesday through Friday, 9:30, 11:30, 14:30 and 16:30; Saturdays, 10:00 and 12:00. Reservations: 55424784.

• Activities for children: Light and sound show at the model of the sacred enclosure from Tuesday to Friday, 11:00 and 16:00. Film Club: Thursdays, 16:00.

For baroque, ornaments and reading lovers:

Franz Mayer Museum

Dedicated to exposing the always venerable union of utility and beauty in everyday objects, this museum displays objects from the 16th Century, independent Mexico and Europe and Asia. Showing off an extraordinary collection of silverware, ceramics, pieces furniture, religious art, textiles, and sculpture, as well as its graphic collection with works of famous painters, such as: Juan Correa, Cristóbal de Villalpando, José María Velasco and Diego Rivera. Meet México's multiple faces at "Mil y un rostros de México", the temporary exhibit, presenting Ruth D. Lechuga's masks collection.

• Hours: Tues-Sun: 10:00 to 17:00hrs.

• Rates: Admission: $ 45.00mxn; Students and Teachers: $ 25.00mxn; Children -12 and adults +60: free admission.

• Address: Hidalgo # 45. Historical Center. Ph.5518 2266.

• Tours: Up to 25 People; reservations two days in advance: $ 15.00mxn.

• Activities for children: Work Among frogs, swans and princesses: Listen to the tales of Hans Christian Andersen, and then enjoy a fine arts workshop. Sunday, April 25, 13:30; $15.00 mxn

• For conceptual contemporary designers:

MUAC:

The University Museum of Contemporary Art is tempting in every sense; exhibitions are for those who like a little brain teasing and to whom art is philosophy. Featuring the group exhibition “Superficies del deseo” (desire´s surface) with pieces made to awake the senses.

The store with objects as diverse as chairs, energy saving lamps or cool little cards, jewelry & hip books call the visitor's attention. Prices might not be so accessible but the objects are fun, useful and a work of art themselves. Hours: Wednesday, Friday and Sunday: 10:00 to 18:00hrs, Thursday and Saturday: 12:00 to 20:00hrs.

• Rates: General admission: $ 30.00; 50% disc for students & teachers. Free admission for children under 12 years & Sundays to the general public.

• Address: Insurgentes Sur # 3000, Centro Cultural Universitario, Coyoacán. Ph.5622 6972.

•Tours: Reservations, with 15 days notice: 56,226,972.

• Activities: Children (in body or heart) can enjoy free workshops at “El Ágora “ (Wed-Sun). Enjoy a nice meal at “Nube Siete”; restaurant perched on a transparent surface making you feel on the Moon.

What you need to know:

• The Franz Mayer Museum's library holds a large collection specializing in decorative arts, and owns the biggest Don Quixote collection in America.

• MUAC: Jazzercise is an Anthony O'Connell's installation where you can play undone and redone pianos, mixed with chairs, lecterns and other items that UNAM dismissed by renewing their property, it's part of a massive recycling program by guest artists. Really mind-blowing.

• Palacio de Bellas Artes also hosts the National Museum of Architecture; find it at the top stage.

• Templo Mayor supports the policy of inclusive education for children with hearing, cognitive, visual or motor special needs, and schedules visits on Wednesdays at 9:30 and 14:30.

• Dolores Olmedo: Features interesting art workshops, lectures and conferences for different age groups.

Getting There:

• "Bellas Artes" and "Franz Mayer": Metro Bellas Artes or Metro Zócalo (from Zócalo work towards Eje Central).

• Templo Mayor: Metro Zócalo.

• MUAC: Metrobús CU Stop or Metro Universidad & take (at Escuela Nacional de Servicio Social exit ) the Pumabús Route 10 to Zona Cultural, or Zona Cultural Pumabús Route 3.

• Museo Dolores Olmedo: Tren ligero's "La Noria" Stop.

VIP Tip:

• We recommend public transportation so your access to museums is easier, and o that you do not spend too much on parking lots.

• Do not forget neither your student/teacher ID nor your camera!