In a 1996 article, a New York Times correspondent described Oaxaca as an “artistic epicenter,” noting that the city has gained an international reputation for the descriptors attributed to it– “cultural Mecca“, “land of creation”–and its representation as an authentic, multicolored place with its past remaining “alive within the present“. This external vision conceives us, in some way, as artistically exceptional.

But how are aesthetics and politics intertwined in Oaxaca’s artistic production? And at what specific moments do these dimensions merge to influence the culture and identity of the region?

We will begin with a presentation that will transport you through the 20th century to understand the artistic context of Oaxaca, highlighting the importance of Rufino Tamayo, Rodolfo Nieto, Francisco Toledo and Rodolfo Morales, who were pillars of the well-known “Oaxacan School of Art”–a term that Andrés Henestrosa used to describe the artistic production of that time. But what does this term really mean? What are the similarities and repetitions across Oaxacan works of art?

We will journey across the city center, navigating a complex cross-section of protest art, museums, graphic art spaces, and murals to address these questions. As we explore contemporary artistic production, we find that while each artist forges their own path, these parallel trajectories often intertwine, creating powerful intersections of resistance and visibility. In some cases, this sparks change and creates platforms for social organization around specific injustices. Throughout this dynamic process of constructing a collective geographic and historical memory, there is an omnipresent dialogue between aesthetics, politics, culture, and identity in art.

Oaxacan street art is constantly evolving, so you’ll get to interact with a current and often transient depiction of pertinent issues in our community. After the presentation, your host will lead you through the streets of Oaxaca’s city center on a curated route that includes various dynamic art spaces.

Minimum number of participants: Two ($1,100 mxn)

What to Expect

Step One: Write to us and request this experience, telling us how many people are in your small group and what your dates of availability are.

Step Two: Once we’ve found a date that works for our hosts and for your group, we will send you a Paypal request for a deposit for your experience or an invitation to sign up using our website calendar. (Feel free to check our calendar for the experiences we currently have confirmed!) *

*Your experience will be open to additional folks to join unless your group is composed of 6+ people or you reserve a private experience at an additional cost.

You can see our refund policy here.

Step Three: We will meet you at Tlayudona, located inside the Plaza San Cristóbal in street M. Bravo 210 local C, Centro.

Experience Includes

• Guided walk through Oaxaca´s City Center.
• Water, if needed. (Bring your own bottle if you can, to reduce our footprint!)
• Spanish to English translation.

Logistics and Cost

Time Involvement: 2.5-3 hours (This will depend on how crowded the streets are, questions asked, group dynamics, and a number of unpredictable factors)

Transportation: None. This is a walking-experience.

Costs and Minimums: $1,200 MXN Discounted Rate of 1,000 MXN for 4 or more people who sign up together

Minimum: 2 people

Children ages 10 and up are welcome to participate, although this tour is geared toward adults.

There is a maximum of 8 people for this experience.

Bring: Water, a hat/sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for walking.