In an era of Neo-Esotericism, we find ourselves vibrating energies to summon entities from the past, navigating a digital obscurantism where humanity is caught between ancient paradigms and modern solutions to eternal dilemmas.
We plunge into the unconscious abyss, where dolls wander the ocean depths, meeting their scaled counterparts. Oceanic conches tune into currents, anticipating the rise of the Leviathan, patient as global warming ravages the surface.
-Fontanini reflecting on his current underwater series
Operating at the vanguard of the vibrant Guadalajara art scene for over 15 years,
Daniel Fontanini (b. Guadalajara, Mexico) is a painter whose dedicated practice navigates the complexities of the contemporary Mexican landscape.Fontanini's talent has earned significant national recognition, underscored by his inclusion in several prestigious institutional biennials, which validate the critical trajectory of his work:
- Miniature Art Biennial, Bicentennial Museum in San Pedro Garza (2017, 2019, 2021 editions)
- Young Art (2018)
- Atanacio Monrroy Biennial (2018)
His rigorous commitment to the development of his visual language has been consistently supported through competitive scholarships and key artistic residencies. Notable among these is the CECA 2017 scholarship, facilitated by the Jalisco Secretary of Culture with mentorship from artist Dan Montellano. He has also advanced his research through multiple incubator programs at Estudio Libertad (2019, 2023) and an intensive residency at
in Patscuaro, Michoacan, under the direction of Artemio Gonzalez.
A pivotal moment in his recent career was his participation in the Artist Incubator in Monterrey (2023), where his critically acclaimed presentation of over 20 medium to large format pieces nearly sold out, speaking to both market resonance and curatorial impact.
Fontanini's focused solo exhibitions further anchor his institutional presence:
- Lost Woods (2017): Presented at Ajolote Gallery, directed by Ramon Monchis.
- Pequeñas M: This exhibition, the title of which suggests a focus on the miniature or the minimal, continues to explore his recurring themes of landscape, scale, and perception.