This fall, the Delaware Division of the Arts' Mezzanine Gallery will host an exciting new exhibition by 2024 Emerging Artist Fellow Julieta Zavala. Her vibrant showcase, Mercado Kitsch México, will be on view from September 6-27, 2024, offering visitors a journey through the eclectic and culturally rich world of Mexican kitsch art.
Mercado Kitsch México is a tribute to the creativity and spirit of Mexico City’s working-class culture. Zavala’s work captures the bold, imaginative use of color, texture, and shape that defines kitsch art in the vibrant markets of Mexico City. Through her designs, she showcases how everyday objects and materials can be transformed into visually stunning and deeply personal pieces of art. As Zavala says, “Everything about our art, culture, and traditions inspires me,” and this exhibition is her love letter to her heritage.
But Mercado Kitsch México isn’t just a static display of Zavala’s art—it’s a celebration of fashion’s ability to tell a story. Zavala’s designs merge her Mexican cultural roots with modern social trends, creating garments that speak to the soul of her homeland while embracing new artistic expressions. Each piece in her collection not only stands out for its bold character but also weaves together stories of everyday life in Mexico City.
Zavala’s path to becoming a celebrated fashion designer is as colorful and inspiring as her designs. Growing up in Mexico City, Zavala’s passion for fashion began early, nurtured by her Aunt Maria’s dedication to traditional Mexican attire. Watching her aunt sew, Zavala was struck by the joy and creativity of the craft, sparking a desire to pursue fashion design. However, financial limitations in Mexico made her dream seem out of reach.
In 2006, Zavala and her family relocated to Delaware, where she finally had the opportunity to follow her dream. She learned English, attended night school, and eventually graduated from the Art Institute of Philadelphia in 2014 with honors in fashion design. Since then, her work has been showcased across the tri-state area, New York City, and Mexico, with notable projects at the Delaware Art Museum and the Penn Museum.
One of the highlights of Zavala’s exhibition will be her exclusive clothing collection and fashion runway, where each garment is a masterpiece of storytelling and design. Her work defies conventions by incorporating unconventional and recyclable materials, creating pieces that are as sustainable as they are striking. Visitors can expect to be transported into a world where fashion meets art, where each piece is infused with the creativity and spirit of Mexico City.
Zavala’s exhibition is a must-see for art and fashion lovers alike, offering a unique opportunity to witness the fusion of culture, tradition, and modern design. Every corner of the gallery will be filled with the unrestrained creativity of Mexico’s popular aesthetics, making it a dynamic experience for all who visit.
Mercado Kitsch México will be on display at the Mezzanine Gallery, located on the second floor of the Carvel State Office Building at 820 N. French Street, Wilmington. The gallery is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., giving plenty of time for you to immerse yourself in Zavala’s world of fashion and art.
Don’t miss this chance to explore Julieta Zavala’s extraordinary work and celebrate the vibrant culture of Mexico City. Whether you’re a fan of fashion, art, or simply curious to see something new, Mercado Kitsch México promises to be an unforgettable experience.