Illuminating the Void: Mexico Under the Shadow of the Moon: A Unique Art and Science Collaboration

The exhibition Mexico under the shadow of the Moon is a unique collaboration between art and science, featuring 22 artists primarily from Oaxaca. Supported by the Institute of Astronomy of UNAM, the National Committee of Eclipses Mexico, and the UNAM Foundation, the exhibition opened at the Palacio de la Autonomía and will run until April 21.

Curated by Ivonne Kennedy, the exhibition showcases 24 pieces that explore the solar eclipse from various perspectives. The works blend mythological, ritualistic, symbolic, and contemporary elements through figurative and abstract approaches. Kennedy emphasizes that combining art and science is an effective way to engage people in scientific exploration through different avenues.

The project was initiated by Oaxacan astronomer Héctor Hernández Toledo, who fostered collaboration between the Institute of Astronomy of UNAM and the artistic community of Oaxaca. The exhibition features an equal number of male and female artists, showcasing a diverse range of styles, techniques, and colors that challenge stereotypes about art in Oaxaca.

Mexico under the shadow of the Moon aims to offer a window into the art scene in Oaxaca while highlighting the intersection of art and science. Each artwork in the exhibition represents unique interpretations of the eclipse phenomenon, incorporating mythical, ancestral, and symbolic elements along with landscapes, astronauts, and animals.

The participating artists include a mix of established and emerging talents who contribute their distinct vision to the collective exploration of the eclipse phenomenon. By showcasing artistic responses to this natural event, Mexico under the shadow of