MUAC removes Ana Gallardo works after Casa Xochiquetzal protests derogatory language

Mexico City's Museo Universitario de Arte Contemporaneo (MUAC) has removed two works by Argentinian artist Ana Gallardo from her solo exhibition 'Tembló acá un delirio' following criticism over offensive language. The controversial piece, 'Extracto para un fracasado proyecto' (2011–24), features text etched on a museum wall describing the artist's interactions with Estela, a former resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, a shelter for elderly sex workers. The text uses terms including 'old sick whore' and 'daughter of a whore' to refer to Estela. On October 9, Casa Xochiquetzal published a Facebook statement condemning the work as containing 'insults' and 'lies,' arguing the language revictimizes residents and misrepresents Gallardo's involvement. The shelter claimed Gallardo visited Estela only once, not over an extended period as suggested. Initially, MUAC defended the artist's freedom of expression, but protests escalated, including graffiti on the museum's exterior walls reading 'Total Respect for Sex Work' and labeling the institution 'whorephobic.' The museum first restricted access to the exhibition space before ultimately taking down the works. Gallardo's work is part of a series addressing societal neglect of the elderly, but the specific language sparked backlash from the community it depicted.