Nahum B. Zenil Retrospective at Museo Universitario del Chopo Explores Six Decades of Self-Portraiture and Dissidence

The Museo Universitario del Chopo in Mexico City is presenting 'Nahum B. Zenil: El límpido espejo de mis ojos (1968-2025)', a retrospective of Mexican artist Nahum B. Zenil (b. 1947), on view until August 30, 2026. Curated by Sol Henaro and Miguel A. López, the exhibition brings together over 130 works, including paintings, drawings, silkscreens, sculptures, and artist's books, spanning six decades of Zenil's practice. Zenil, associated with the Neomexicanismo movement since the 1980s, has made the self-portrait a central vehicle for exploring identity, sexuality, and Mexican national symbols. The show traces his evolution from early abstract works to his turn toward autobiographical figuration in the 1970s, exemplified by series like 'Monólogos' (1973-1975). Key works include 'Yo y yo' (1981), where he depicts himself marrying himself, and '¡Oh, santa bandera!' (1996), a provocative piece that substitutes the national coat of arms with an open mouth and shows the flagpole penetrating his anus, which sparked public debate when shown at the Chopo in 1997 during the Semana Cultural Lésbico-Gay. The exhibition also recreates a room from the Espacio Cultural Rancho Tecomate Cuatolco, Casa del Poeta, in Tenango del Aire, a space Zenil founded with his partner Gerardo Vilchis. Recent works address aging and vulnerability. The retrospective positions Zenil beyond Neomexicanismo, highlighting his role in creating visibility for gay identity in Mexico.