Anna-Marie Lamond: Ajoloteria

About

Having lived in Mexico City, this exhibition consists of three years of research and making. Anna-Marie presents 40 ink and watercolour paintings in the format of the traditional card game Lotería to share the story of the human and non-human inhabitants of Xochimilco, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Xochimilco is home to a community of people who have lived from the fertile land for centuries, growing fruit and vegetables in the floating ‘chinampa’ island farms and more recently, providing tourism and eco-tourism services. The region supports a host of wildlife, including the critically endangered Mexican Axolotl. The neotenic amphibians live unmorphed underwater breathing through gills. With the alien-like power to re-grow limbs, cancer-fighting cells and on verge of extinction, it has never been more important to protect the small areas of its endemic ecosystem – for which for a multitude of complex socio-ecological reasons is under threat. 

This exhibition can be played as a game with copies of the printed cards, boards and an information booklet that allow audiences to learn more about the precarious situation of the shrinking ancient wetland as well as raising awareness of current conservation efforts of the wild Ajolote. Each picture-card invites audiences to gain a deeper understanding of the Mexican Axolotl and their socio-ecological environment. 

Join the launch party on Saturday 9 March, 4 -7pm to play Ajoloteria Lotería! Apply for ONCA’s 2025 Members’ Solo Exhibition open call by becoming a member.