Oaxaca Serrano Contemporary Art Gallery focuses on exhibiting works by four renowned contemporary artists who are members of one of the richest artistic legacies in Mexico. Rolando Rojas, Didier Mayés, Ixrael Montes and Saúl Castro are artist/printmakers who currently live and work in Oaxaca.

ROLANDO ROJAS | DIDIER MAYÉS | IXRAEL MONTES | SAÚL CASTRO | ALALIMON

Don’t miss “Magical and Mystical Oaxaca” a full program of events that features the work of these artists, at the Glassell School of Art MFAH from August 2 through October 2, 2023.

“Alalimón” is a term commonly used in the realm of art to describe a specific technique employed in collaborative painting. It originates from the Spanish language and roughly translates to ”hand-in hand” or “together.”

Rolando Rojas, Didier Mayés, Ixrael Montes and Saúl Castro are known in Oaxaca for working collaboratively, and a selection of these special works are often on display in our gallery. Please inquire.

When artists work ‘alalimón,’ they simultaneously contribute to a painting, sharing the same canvas and creating a cohesive piece through their combined efforts. The essence of alalimón lies in the collaborative process, where two or more artists work together in perfect harmony to produce a unified artwork. This technique fosters a sense of cooperation, communication, and shared creativity among the artists involved.

Each artist brings their unique style, perspective, and skill to the painting, resulting in a harmonious blend of their individual talents.
The process of creating an alalimón painting requires great coordination and synchronization.

Artists often begin by discussing their vision and the concept they wish to convey through the artwork. They carefully plan the composition, considering color schemes, brushstrokes, and overall design elements. This collaborative brainstorming phase ensures that the artists have a clear understanding of their shared artistic direction.

Once the planning stage is complete, the artists begin working on the canvas together, usually side by side. They may take turns, each contributing to different sections of the painting, or they may work simultaneously on different areas, depending on their preferences and the nature of the artwork. This constant interaction and exchange of ideas allow for a dynamic and fluid creative process.

Each of these artists has his own distinct style; however all are associated with, and inspired by a long visual arts tradition that includes such illustrious Masters as Rufino Tamayo, Francisco Toledo, Miguel Cabrera, Rodolfo Morales and Rodolfo Nieto.

The Southern region of Mexico, where Oaxaca is located, is celebrated for its unique artistic and graphic arts output, its cultural institutions and a plethora of art and printmaking studios. The work of these artists, which has been exhibited around the world, exemplifies the exquisite quality and range of art and printmaking in Mexico.