Chromosome Damage

Daniel Guzmán is among the generation of artists in Mexico City whose radical and conceptual approach to art first attracted the attention of the international art scene in the 1990s.

He is mainly recognised for his stylised cartoon-like imagery and texts made in ink on paper and walls. These works contain multi layered references to lyrics and song titles from rock bands like Kiss, AC/DC, the writings of William Burroughs and Chilean writer Roberto Bolaño, to satirical illustrations of Mexican politicians of the 1970s.

Guzmán’s oeuvre is steeped in the context of Mexican and pre-Hispanic imagery. This new series reference the imagery and iconography of Aztec deities, goddesses and earth mothers.

Each drawing represents a single voluptuous female figure baring teeth and pop out eyes, who goes through mystic and troubling transformations, growing extended limbs, multiple breasts and hands; feet become tree trunks and snakes coil round them. The works, made in pastels, charcoal and ink, using earthy colours of browns, pinks and reds, are tantalisingly rich and provocative.

Published to accompany the exhibition Daniel Guzmán: Chromosome Damage at Drawing Room, London, 13 December 2014 – 21 February 2015.