Discover the evolution of Feria Material, a platform that has transformed from a pop-up showcase to a collector-favorite and must-visit destination during Mexico City Art Week.
The Evolution of Feria Material: An Exclusive Interview with Founder Brett W. Schultz
Feria Material has come a long way since its inception in 2014 as a pop-up showcase for emerging artists. In just over a decade, the fair has transformed into a collector-favorite and a must-visit destination during Mexico City Art Week.
A New Platform for Emerging Artists
Brett W. Schultz, founder of Feria Material, shares his vision and insights on how the fair has evolved to become a key platform for emerging and cutting-edge galleries worldwide. According to Schultz, the intention from the outset was to complement ZONAMACO with another high-quality fair that offers a more intimate and focused experience.
Complementing ZONAMACO
Feria Material differs from ZONAMACO in its human scale, which allows every exhibitor and visitor to feel like they’re part of a meaningful conversation. The fair’s curator-driven approach ensures that the platform remains relevant and meaningful to exhibitors and their artists.
A Decade of Growth and Evolution
Under Schultz’s leadership, Feria Material has undergone significant growth and transformation over the years. From its early days as an experimental and exploratory platform to its current status as a mature and established fair, Feria Material has adapted to meet the changing needs of galleries, artists, and collectors.
Curation and Research: The Heart of Feria Material
The fair’s selection process is centered around curating a coherent and thoughtful experience that balances established and emerging voices. Schultz emphasizes the importance of maintaining a platform that feels relevant and meaningful to exhibitors and their artists.
Accessibility, Diversity, and High Curatorial Quality
Feria Material’s low participation fees have been instrumental in making the fair more accessible to younger galleries. This strategy has translated into greater diversity and high curatorial quality, allowing the fair to remain a platform for innovative and experimental art.
A Healthier Ecosystem
Schultz’s outlook on the fair business has changed significantly since he first started. He advocates for a re-regionalization of the art market, where galleries and artists can grow steadily over time with the active support of collectors and curators who understand their context.
The Future of Mexico City’s Art Scene
As Mexico City’s art scene continues to expand rapidly, Schultz acknowledges that there is still much work to be done. He emphasizes the need for a healthier ecosystem that supports real, thriving ecosystems rather than perpetuating imaginary ones.
Feria Material’s 11th edition returns to Expo Reforma in February, featuring artworks presented by seventy galleries from Mexico and around the world. With its commitment to curation, research, and accessibility, Feria Material remains an essential platform for emerging artists and galleries worldwide.
