Francis Alÿs
(1959)
Untitled (Study for Paradox of Praxis), 1998
Retouched photographs on Chromalin, typewritten text and pencil
35.5 x 27.3 x 1.7 cm
A definite reference when thinking about Mexican art, Francis Alÿs has lived and worked in Mexico for over 30 years. Trained as an architect, he moved to Mexico City to work with several local NGOs. Confounded with the inexplicable idiosyncrasies he observed in the Historic Center, he began performing absurd actions such a staring at the sky until others joined him or pushing a large ice block on the street until it completely melted away. These actions were a means for Alÿs to explore the streets and neighborhoods and reflect on certain sociocultural markers prevalent in the metropolis.