CDMX: Art and Design (Re)Construct a City | SU25 Faculty-Led
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, March 12 (Week 8) at 1pm PST
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The story of Mexico City is often told as a series of cataclysms and ruptures - Conquest, Revolutions, earthquakes, and modern development. But it is also a city of layers where time intermingles. Through this program, students will explore how art and everyday life offer windows for looking across time. How can the experience of moving through a city help one understand what changes over time as well as what persists? How can speaking with local artists and artisans show the city as a lived practice and site of intervention? And how can the ongoing life of the city be recruited in new visions of the future?
Selected students will spend the Summer 2025 term at Art Center preparing for their visit through a course oriented towards the historical context of the sites we will visit. Following the summer term preparation, students will travel to Mexico City the Summer 2025 break, experiencing its art and culture firsthand. We will visit many galleries, museums, and important historical sites as well as have opportunities to meet with artists. Students will keep a notebook with their research, findings, drawings, photographs, with the expectation that they can demonstrate how this new knowledge will impact their art-making. Students will also have some built in free time to explore the city on their own.
SUMMER 2025 COURSE DESCRIPTION
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The story of Mexico City is often told as a series of cataclysms and ruptures - Conquest, Revolutions, earthquakes, and modern development. But it is also a city of layers where time intermingles. Through this program, students will explore how art and everyday life offer windows for looking across time. How can the experience of moving through a city help one understand what changes over time as well as what persists? How can speaking with local artists and artisans show the city as a lived practice and site of intervention? And how can the ongoing life of the city be recruited in new visions of the future?
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Firsthand exposure to the international world of art, design, and craft;
Opportunity to witness and learn about the complex historical contexts of Mexico and Latin American art and culture, critically reflecting on Euroamerican disciplines and contexts;
Think critically about how social, historical, and economic conditions inform the life of the city, the experience of travel, and the world of art and design.
HOUSING DETAILS
Hotel details are pending. However, you will likely be staying in the Roma Norte neighborhood of the city, which is part of the Cuauhtémoc borough. Roma Norte is known for its plentiful restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Exploring the neighborhood’s beautiful architecture is the perfect thing to do with a little down time.
ABOUT MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
Mexico City, the vibrant capital of Mexico, is a bustling metropolis rich in history, culture, and creativity. With a population of over 20 million, it stands as one of the largest and most dynamic cities in the world. The city’s art and design scene is a blend of historical traditions and contemporary innovation.
Historically, Mexico City was built upon the ruins of the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlán, and this deep heritage influences its modern cultural landscape. The city boasts a wealth of museums and galleries, including the Museo Frida Kahlo, Museo Nacional de Arte, and Museo Tamayo, which celebrate both traditional and modern Mexican art.
In terms of design, Mexico City is renowned for its colorful murals, vibrant street art, and innovative architectural projects. The works of Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros, prominent figures in the Mexican Muralism movement, adorn public spaces and continue to inspire. Contemporary designers and artists in Mexico City blend traditional motifs with modern techniques, creating a unique fusion that reflects the city's dynamic spirit.
From its bustling markets and historic neighborhoods to its cutting-edge design studios and art collectives, Mexico City is a testament to the creativity and cultural richness of Mexico.