Haniel's work functions as a platform for "abject action"—a peripheral gaze that emerges from the ruins of historical materialism and the posthuman condition to challenge centralized narratives through the lens of "freak theory."
Operating at the nexus of technical figuration and critical theory,
Haniel Fonseca (b. 1989, Toluca, Mexico) interrogates contemporary corporeality through a sustained painting practice. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Art from the prestigious Universidad del Claustro de Sor Juana in Mexico City.Fonseca’s work has been the subject of nearly 70 exhibitions internationally, traversing the United States, Europe, South America, and the Middle East. His trajectory is marked by significant institutional recognition and a dynamic engagement with the global art dialogue.
Exhibitions & Accolades
- Acquisition Prize, Guillermo Sepúlveda Biennial (2025): Awarded for his compelling contributions to contemporary painting.
- MAQRO Human Figure Biennial (2025): Selected participation underscoring his mastery of the human form.
- Bienno degli Artisti 2.0 (Italy): Participation in this esteemed international artist residency program.
- Trámite: Collectors Bureau (Volume 08, 2024): Inclusion in this vital platform for curatorial and market engagement.
Further selections include the Pérez Romo Biennial, Alfredo Zalce Biennial (2022), and multiple competitive entries at the UAEMEX, Julio Castillo, Lumen, Exatec, Monroy, and UNAM biennials between 2016 and 2020.
His first monograph is slated for publication in 2025 with The Guide Artists (Cádiz, Spain), further solidifying his critical positioning. His practice has been critically reviewed in outlets such as Manifesto Art Magazine and Revista Fina.
Curatorial Practice & Institutional Engagement
Beyond the canvas, Fonseca is a formidable presence in art management and curatorial strategy. He is the founder of the Vapor de Cleveland Gallery (2022) and has held key roles as a curator and Project Manager with impactful organizations, including:
- Refugio para Emergencias Visuales
- Cultura Surplus
- Iniciativa Curatorial Marso
- Anonymous Gallery
Haniel Fonseca currently lives and works in Querétaro, Mexico, continuing to challenge the boundaries between studio practice and institutional critique.