Exploring the Daring World of David LaChapelle's Art in Mexico

BY MARK CHESNUT

Mexico City is such a culturally rich metropolis that on almost every visit, I find something that I’ve never seen before. Such was the case during my most recent trip, when I came across an impressive exhibit called “David LaChapelle: Amor.”

This stunning retrospective of the celebrated artist’s work featured more than 90 works from various decades. Unfortunately the exhibit closed on July 31, 2024, but you can see some of its most interesting work here and in my Instagram reel from the exhibit.

Hosted by the Palacio de Minería de la Facultad de Ingeniería in Mexico City, the exhibition included colorful and sometimes controversial photography, video and other forms of art that tackle subjects ranging from pop culture to Christianity, from fashion to collaborations with celebrities including Britney Spears and Tupac Shakur. Also included was LaChapelle’s newest project, “Stations of the Cross,” which reimagines the Christian stations of the cross through the unique and colorful photographic vision of LaChapelle.

“It’s about all kinds of things, all the signs of life, about faith, about humor, dreams and escapism and joys and sorrows,” LaChapelle said in an official video describing the Mexico City exhibit.

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David LaChapelle is a U.S.-born artist, photographer and director synonymous with vibrant, surreal, and thought-provoking imagery. Originally from Connecticut, this American photographer, artist and director has carved out a niche for himself in the world of art with a distinctive style that blends pop culture, fine art, a sharp sense of humor and a touch of the bizarre and controversial. LaChapelle's work often delves into themes of consumerism, celebrity and spirituality, all delivered with a technicolor punch that's as captivating as it is controversial.

Starting his career in the 1980s, LaChapelle quickly became known for his glossy, hyper-realistic photographs that graced the pages of top fashion magazines. His work is a feast for the eyes, bursting with color and meticulously crafted, finely detailed and often gorgeously surreal sets. Whether he's photographing celebrities like Madonna or creating fantastical scenes that challenge societal norms, LaChapelle's art is always unmistakable.

What sets LaChapelle apart from his contemporaries is his fearless approach to blending beauty and controversy, a sense of humor and somber topics, high and low culture. He often juxtaposes religious iconography with modern-day imagery, creating a dialogue between the sacred and the profane. This unique perspective has earned him a place not just in the world of fashion photography but also much praise within contemporary art circles.

LaChapelle's work is characterized by its lush, often cinematic and fantastical qualities. He often uses elaborate sets, vibrant lighting and post-production techniques to finesse his signature style. His photographs are not mere portraits; they are intricate stories that invite viewers to look beyond the surface and explore deeper meanings.

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The Mexico City exhibit has, unfortunately, ended. Connecticut should be the next art stop in your travel plans if you want to see David LaChapelle’s work in person. His next exhibit is “All of a Sudden,” which is scheduled to be on view at the William Benton Museum of Art in Storrs, Connecticut from September 5 to December 14, 2024. The exhibit will feature more than 50 works by LaChapelle.

Check out his current exhibit listings here. 

You may have missed the David LaChapelle exhibit in Mexico City, but there are several noteworthy places where you can view modern and contemporary art in Mexico’s capital. The city is, in fact, a vibrant hub for the arts, boasting some of Latin America’s most impressive galleries and museums. It’s one of my favorite destinations for an art-infused vacation.

One of the most popular art museums in Mexico City is the Museo Tamayo, a cultural gem nestled in Chapultepec Park. Named after the legendary artist Rufino Tamayo, this museum exhibits an ever-changing array of both national and international contemporary art. The architecture itself is worth the trip—it's a masterpiece of modern design that perfectly complements the innovative works inside.

A quick walk from there is the Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum of Modern Art)  which resides in a beautiful, mid-century modern building and hosts the work of an array of interesting artists on a rotating basis. The open-air sculpture garden makes for lovely strolling.

In the upscale neighborhood of Polanco, meanwhile, you can view a massive array of artwork from various centuries at the Museo Soumaya, which is housed in an eye-catching work of architecture that shimmers in the sunlight. Just across the street, Museo Jumex exhibits an ever-changing array of works.

A bit further from the center of Mexico City, the Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo (MUAC, or University Museum of Contemporary Art) , located within the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM, the Autonomous National University of Mexico), houses one of the largest collections of contemporary art in Mexico, featuring works by both established and emerging artists. The museum's building, designed by renowned architect Teodoro González de León, is a work of art in itself. It's a sleek, minimalist venue that allows the art to take center stage, making it a perfect spot for art lovers to lose themselves in creative expression.

If you’re looking for memorable cultural things to do in Mexico City, these excellent institutions all deserve to be on your Mexico vacation itinerary.

Like what you’re seeing? Please subscribe to Departure Level for a weekly email update. Also, check out Mark Chesnut’s witty and emotional memoir, “Prepare for Departure: Notes on a Single Mother, a Misfit Child, Inevitable Mortality and the Enduring Allure of Frequent Flyer Miles.”