We gentrified Roma and Roma gentrified us
This compelling series delves into the complex phenomenon of gentrification that has swept over Mexico City in recent years, with a candid exploration of my own role in this transformative process.
Arriving in Mexico City approximately 8 years ago, I settled in the neighborhood Roma Norte, alongside a diverse group of international friends. Despite working for a Mexican company, embracing the language, and contributing to society, I have always been conscious of the privilege I had to live in one of the most affluent and safe neighborhoods of this city.
However, the past three years, colonias such as Roma, Condesa and Juarez have witnessed a dramatic shift, especially amid the backdrop of the pandemic. An influx of newcomers from the global north, employed by overseas companies and enjoying global north salaries, descended upon the city, drawn by its vibrant character and affordable living costs. With them, they brought their Western lifestyles, reshaping the city's landscape. The consequences are undeniable — Real Estate prices have gone up, hip Scandinavian- aesthetic coffee bars have emerged, and the amount of yoga studios has tripled. Regrettably, certain areas have undoubtedly lost their authentic Mexican character, fostering discriminatory behavior or even forced displacement.
With the title of this series, I confront my own role in the gentrification phenomenon that looms large today. The subjects portrayed are my friends, and their images embody the time we shared together in this country — a period marked by carefree living and an unwavering appreciation for all that Mexico had to offer. We totally acknowledge our role in setting the wheels of gentrification in motion, but we earnestly sought to embrace Mexican culture, avoiding the imposition of our own upon the generous host culture. The portraits in this series are a form of self mockery and at the same time echo the vibrant colors that epitomize Mexico City's rich ambiance, simultaneously serving as a playful critique of the beige aesthetics that often accompany gentrification.
Ultimately, this series serves as a visual exploration of the multifaceted phenomenon that is gentrification, capturing both its allure and its potential pitfalls, while encouraging deeper introspection on the role each of us plays in the transformation of the spaces we inhabit.
‘Ten dollars for a cocktail is so cheap’
Oil on Canvas
40 x 50 cm
‘Renting out my 1 BR apartment in Condesa for 900 USD per week’
Oil on Canvas
70 x 50 cm
‘Oaxaca City is a combination of Los Angeles and Brooklyn’
Oil on Canvas
40 x 50 cm
‘Pujol is so much more accessible than other Michelin Star restaurants’
Oil on Canvas
40 x 50 cm
