Julieta Zavala’s “Mercado Kitsch México” Lights Up the Mezzanine Gallery
September 3, 2024
Wilmington, Del., August 29, 2024 — The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery is set to showcase the vibrant works of 2024 Emerging Artist Fellow Julieta Zavala in her upcoming exhibition, “Mercado Kitsch México,” running from September 6 to 27, 2024. Art enthusiasts are invited to a Meet-the-Artist Reception on Friday, September 6, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.
“Mercado Kitsch México” is a kaleidoscopic celebration of Mexico City’s rich visual and cultural tapestry, seen through the lens of Zavala’s unique artistic vision. Drawing from the playful and often subversive spirit of kitsch, Zavala’s work pays homage to the ingenuity of the working class, who blend textures, colors, and forms into expressions that are as vibrant as they are poignant. “My Mexican heritage has been and will always be my deepest well of inspiration,” Zavala reflects. “Our art, culture, and traditions are a constant source of creativity for me.”
Zavala, a designer who seamlessly marries her cultural roots with contemporary social currents, takes pride in her role as a cultural ambassador, using her work to “project Mexican culture and costume design through visual art in fashion.” Her creations, which often utilize unconventional and recyclable materials, stand as a testament to the artistic potential inherent in fashion—a medium too often relegated to mere functionality.
“Cinco de Mayo Dress” (2021), plastic table cloth, photo credit: Manuel Flores.
Born and raised in Mexico City, Zavala’s journey to becoming an artist was shaped by both family and circumstance. With her father having immigrated to the United States around the time of her birth, Zavala was nurtured by her mother and three sisters in a city that buzzed with creativity. It was her Aunt Maria, however, who ignited Zavala’s passion for sewing, crafting traditional garments for the family. “Watching her brought so much joy; I couldn’t help but want to experience that same happiness,” Zavala reminisces.
In 2006, at the age of 20, Zavala joined her father in Delaware, where she began a new chapter—one that would see her overcome language barriers, attend night school, and ultimately achieve her dream of studying fashion design. Graduating with honors from the Art Institute of Philadelphia in 2014, Zavala has since established herself as a formidable presence in the fashion world, with her work showcased across the tri-state area, Mexico, and New York City. Her 2023 residency at the Delaware Art Museum, tied to the exhibition “Estampas de la Raza,” culminated in a stunning runway show and fashion installation that captivated audiences.
The Mezzanine Gallery’s upcoming exhibition will not only feature an exclusive clothing collection but will also include a fashion runway, with each garment telling a story rooted in the everyday life and unbridled creativity of Mexico City. Visitors are invited to step into Zavala’s world, where the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary, and where every corner of the gallery pulses with the vibrant energy of Mexican popular culture.
Located on the second floor of the Carvel State Office Building at 820 N. French Street, Wilmington, the Mezzanine Gallery is open to the public weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Special thanks to Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library for providing the mannequins that will bring Zavala’s collection to life.