This week, we take a look at two thought-provoking art exhibits now showing at the Museum of Art in Zapopan, an international diving competition and a comedian who brings joy and irreverence in wine drinking to the Guadalajara Metro Area (GMA).
Two exhibits at the Museum of Art Zapopan tackle timely themes
The current exhibition “Unlevel Playing Fields” (“Canchas Desiguales” in Spanish) by Costa Rican conceptual artist Priscilla Monge uses soccer to convey a deeper message about the human condition.
Monge’s transformation of a traditional soccer field into a sloped, irregular surface is meant to highlight that not everyone in Latin America and the world starts on a level playing field.
The exhibition arrives at a time when Mexico is beset by enormous economic inequality, something that’s readily apparent with the World Cup currently underway. While the matches are attracting the attention of millions, the live experience in Mexico was restricted to the wealthy, who could afford to pay prices that often exceeded the average monthly salary of ordinary Mexicans.
This interactive work will tour each of Mexico’s 2026 World Cup host cities: Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City. Despite the differences among the venues, the exhibition poses the same questions to all: How do we play, participate and share a space when the conditions of the game are not the same for everyone?
Priscilla Monge is known for her thought-provoking, interactive art installations. Her work explores the power struggles and inequality embedded in modern societies with a mixture of humor and cynicism. Previously, her art has been exhibited at the Rufino Tamayo Museum in Mexico City, the Venice Biennale and the Tate Modern in London.
Yukinori Yanagi exhibit at Estación MAZ
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Two blocks away in the brand-new Estación MAZ building across from the Line 3 light rail station, a new exhibit by Japanese artist Yukinori Yanagi, “The Pacific Ocean,” explores identity, nationalism and global conflict.
The Pacific Ocean’s name suggests peace and tranquility, but its history has been anything but. This vast sea has been the scene of some of the greatest violence of the twentieth century, from Japan’s imperial expansion across Asia to the Second World War, and the first use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
A core part of Yanagi’s work consists of revisiting these human tragedies that changed the course of history. Works like “Absolute Dud” (2007-2016) and “From the Sky” (2024) serve as symbolic recollections of the dire consequences of the Second World War. At the same time, he incorporates reflections on the limits of international boundaries and the dangers of excess nationalism.
Dates and locations: “Unlevel Playing Fields” runs through July 31 at the Museum of Art Zapopan (MAZ), Andador 20 de Noviembre, Zapopan Center.
“The Pacific Ocean” runs through Aug. 9 at Estación MAZ, Avenida de las Américas, Zapopan Center.
Cost: The MAZ in Zapopan is always free. Check the website to plan your visit.
Laugh about wine? Innovative stand-up comedy plus wine tasting in Zapopan
Who hasn’t had a good laugh about the pretentiousness of wine at some point in their life? Now, there’s a show where it’s safe to laugh and learn without fear of committing a social faux pas.
The brainchild of Australian comedian Merrick Watts, a certified wine taster, “An Idiot’s Guide to Wine: Comedy between Drinks” is a show that’s appeared at festivals, wineries and bars across Australia to sold-out crowds.
In Guadalajara, a new iteration of the show will feature a local comedian (and performed in Spanish), but the concept remains the same. During the set, the audience will enjoy wines from around the world, while learning about aromas, grape varieties and winemaking styles.
Your biggest challenge at this show won’t be trying to seem knowledgeable about wine but not spilling your glass while laughing. So don’t worry if you can distinguish between a Malbec and a Merlot. The point is no-pressure learning while having a good time.
For those who don’t wish to imbibe, non-alcoholic drinks will be available for an extra charge.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 10 and Saturday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Location: A 70-minute set at Escenik Teatro Bar in Zapopan.
Cost: Available now from Feverup, starting from 570 pesos.
