Momus // The Function of Gossip as Criticism in Mexico’s Artworld
Gossip is undoubtedly universal but in Mexico gossip – chisme – seems to exert an influence that distinguishes it from other international art centers.
Mexican artist Ulises Carrión has described it thus: “Gossip can be used as a scientific model for artificial chains of communication which will reveal something about the chain’s users and something about the chain itself.” If we consider the chain of gossip in Mexico’s artworld, what we find is that more than mere efficiency and proliferation, our informal networks of information provide the primary method of our criticism. I spoke with several leading figures in Mexico on chisme‘s unique influence and effect.
Image credit: Julieta Aranda, "Saving it for Later," 2009. Guggenheim Collection.
